It was a night in Baton Rouge that DJ Lagway will want to forget. The sophomore quarterback threw five interceptions in Florida’s 20-10 loss to No.3 LSU, becoming the first SEC quarterback to throw five interceptions in a game since 2020 and the first Gator since Shane Matthews in 1992.
One of the five interceptions was returned 58 yards for a touchdown mid-way through the third quarter, marking the final score in the contest.
Lagway’s turnovers weren’t a result of poor offensive line or wide receiver play; they were simply horrific decisions. Lagway was caught staring receivers down, panicking after the first read, and making ill-advised throws into double or triple coverage.
This performance wasn’t out of left field either. All of his struggles tonight have been on tape through three games this season, the Gators just played a much better defense in week three and those flaws got exposed.
Lagway missed nearly all of spring and fall camp with various injuries, eliminating a critical developmental period for a young quarterback. Gator fans are waiting for Lagway to look comfortable again, but that hasn’t happened through three weeks of the 2025 season.
Florida’s defense gave an incredible effort vs the Tigers, allowing just 13 points and 316 yards of offense to a talented LSU roster. The Gators forced three consecutive three and outs to start the game and combined for five in the contest. The Tigers only recorded 10 first downs in the game compared to Florida’s 23.
The Gators keyed in on LSU’s ground attack, holding the Tigers to 96 rushing yards, most of which were gained on one of the last plays from scrimmage with the game all but over.
Even with the added pressure from the turnovers, Florida’s defense performed admirably. It simply wasn’t enough after losing the turnover battle 5-1.
The Gators’ defense has allowed just two touchdowns this season. Florida has as many losses as touchdowns allowed through three games, which is a rather disturbing statistic that’s indictment of Billy Napier, DJ Lagway, and the Gators’ offense early in the 2025 season.
It doesn’t get any easier for Florida, who is set for another road matchup vs the No.5 Miami Hurricanes in week four.