The Florida Gators dropped to 1-2 (0-1 SEC) on the 2024 season after another embarrassing home loss in year three under Billy Napier. Texas A&M ran for 310 yards and cruised to a 33-20 finish.
Three thoughts following the game:
New year, same story on defense
A backup quarterback strolled into Gainesville and led his offense to 488 total yards and 33 points. This feeling is all too familiar for UF fans, who have watched Billy Napier’s squad lose to three backup quarterbacks since the 2023 season (Utah, FSU, Texas A&M).
Missed tackles, blown coverages, and a lack of pressure allowed Aggies’ quarterback Marcel Reed to complete 11 of 17 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
The Gators allowed 310 rushing yards on 55 attempts. The entire stadium knew Texas A&M would be running the ball early and often, but it didn’t make a difference. The Aggies had three rushers with 68 yards or more while all four of A&M’s rushers averaged 4.0 yards per carry or more. Le’Veon Moss and Marcel Reed averaged more than six yards per carry.
In the first half, Florida couldn’t get off the field on third down, which resulted in Texas A&M’s offense holding the ball for nearly 23 minutes of a possible 30. On the first drive alone, the Gators allowed a 2nd and 21, 3rd and 12, and a 3rd and 10 conversion. Florida’s offense managed just 19 plays in the first half as a result.
The Gators were also flagged seven times for 65 yards, including two critical defensive penalties that granted the Aggies a first down on a 3rd and 29 and after a failed 4th down.
Florida has had three different defensive play callers in three years under Billy Napier, but the struggles remain exactly the same. New year, new play caller, same results.
Alternating quarterback drives did not work
Florida alternated drives with quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway throughout the entire game, which is exactly what I wrote Billy Napier shouldn’t do. Keep in mind this isn’t a week one game against an FCS team, this was a week three game against an SEC opponent.
The only thing you accomplish by alternating drives is keeping both quarterbacks off rhythm. Florida didn’t utilize Mertz or Lagway’s strengths, instead they treated the game like a tryout. It becomes much easier to prepare for two QB system when they are alternating drives and not being used in scenarios based on what the opposing defense is giving you.
It’s time for a change
Florida football has lost seven straight games to FBS opponents dating back to October 28th vs Georgia during the 2023 season. Florida’s athletic department pays multiple assistants (Rob Sale and Austin Armstrong) over a million dollars and a head coach (Billy Napier) 7.3 million dollars.
The Gators are 12-16 under Billy Napier and are well on their way to their fourth consecutive losing season. The last time a coach began his Florida career with three straight losing season was 1936-38 under Josh Cody.
It’s time for a change. There’s a lot to takeaway from this game, but my No.1 thought is that UF fans deserve better.
Great post