The Florida Gators dismantled Kentucky in week eight, defeating the Wildcats 48-20 behind all around team effort. Gator Country provides five takeaways from the game.
There’s no quit in this team
You can say what you want about Billy Napier, but this 2024 Gators team hasn’t given up on him. In a college football era where opting out in the middle of the season seems like the new norm, the Gators roster is still intact and playing their best football after some troubling loses earlier in the season. With a coach on the hot seat, week eight said a lot about the players’ attitude and commitment to the program. Players seemed to be feeding off each other’s energy vs Kentucky. Florida football was fun again on Saturday night.
Run The Baugh
True freshman running back Jadan Baugh earned his first collegiate start vs Kentucky and passed with flying colors. The 6’1, 227 pound back ran for five touchdowns, tying Florida’s program single game record set by Tim Tebow (2007) and Trey Burton (2010). Not only did Baugh have a knack for the end zone, but he gained 106 rushing yards against the 10th best rushing defense in college football entering week eight. Kentucky’s defense allowed less than 90 rushing yards per game and Baugh cleared that mark by himself on 22 carries.
Baugh is Florida’s most talented runner and has a bright future ahead of him. His acceleration and cutting ability are rare for a running back his size. He is the perfect red zone running back.
Defensive progress
Florida continued their recent defensive success against Kentucky, holding the Wildcats to just two offensive touchdowns and 309 total yards. The Gators’ defense was dominant in the first half, keeping Kentucky from converting a single third down. The only points they allowed in the first 30 minutes came after a 45-yard flea flicker, which fooled Florida’s secondary.
Kentucky’s offense found a little rhythm in the second half, but Florida continued flying to the ball in open space, gang tackling, and making stops when needed. Florida recorded three interceptions in the contest, which matched their 2023 season total. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a Florida secondary even in position to catch a tipped ball, but coverage was tight on Saturday night behind strong performances from Devin Moore, Aaron Gates, Trikweze Bridges, Dijon Johnson, and Cormani McClain.
The Gators only recorded one sack in the contest, but they effected the quarterback play by totaling a season high 21 pressures on 32 passing downs.
Florida missed just six tackles vs Kentucky, which is their lowest against an FBS team this season. Florida’s defense was fun again on Saturday night as the team was playing with aggression and making open field tackles.
It doesn’t matter what you think of Kentucky
It doesn’t matter whether you think Kentucky is good, bad, or terrible, the Gators’ performance on Saturday night was impressive. Florida’s 28-point margin of victory was the third largest in SEC games this season. Texas A&M beat Missouri by 31 and Texas beat Oklahoma by 31; those are the only two larger margins of victory. The SEC feels different this season. There’s been a number of upsets and close games that nobody would expect. If you beat an SEC team by four touchdowns, it’s impressive, regardless of what you think about the future of the program or the current coaching staff.
DJ Lagway changes the offense
True freshman QB DJ Lagway brings a different element to Florida’s offense, and we saw that on full display in his second career start and first against an FBS team. Lagway threw for 259 yards and one interception on 7-for-14 passing, finishing with a 191.1 QB rating.
Florida only attempted five passes between 0-14 air yards (which includes screens), yet attempted 10 passes of 15+ air yards, converting seven of them. While this the game plan, Lagway executed it at a level we haven’t seen from any other quarterback under Napier. Lagway also created explosives with his legs, recording two runs of 13+ yards including a long of 22. His ability to buy time in the pocket and extend plays takes this offense to the next level.
Mertz has attempted 11 passes of 20+ air yards this season while Lagway has attempted 19 and converted them at a much higher rate.
Lagway brings the explosive play element to Florida’s offense in the pass and run game. Florida scored its most points (48) against a Power Four opponent in the Napier era with Lagway as the signal caller.