A month ago, I commented on here about how I just don't see how DJ isn't our QB next year. The point made back to me by several was that would be insanity to do because he is just a freshman, and we have such a daunting schedule. I know there is so much time and circumstance between now and our opener. Heck he might get here and just look awful or can't pick up the offense in the Spring. I will be shocked because I think the kid was built for this and beyond special.

I watch these athletic, mobile, and still accurate passers throughout both college and pro football. They take these plays that aren't only designed to take advantage of their skill set, but when the play breaks down ever so slightly they turn it into either a big play or a positive play. There were so many drive stalling/killing plays this year that our QB was just not able to produce a positive play due to our struggles up front.

I love Mertz and was blown away by just how well he did this year. I just don't see how BN cannot go out at least swinging. I don't even like the idea of platooning them like we did with Leak and Tebow. Many believe that if he loses this year he might not have another shot. Many also believe that as we are constructed Vegas will project us a 4 win team in 2024.

I'm not stupid, I know they will have to compete in the Spring and DJ will have to show the accuracy and control that he did at the high school level. If we get to that point and it's a close race I just don't see BN not taking his best/final shot with the kid.

It would interesting to compare this ratio for various schools, especially Miami vs. UF.

When schools are allowed to pay players next year, will there be more parity between UF and the upper echelon schools in terms of recruiting or more of the same? I saw SR saying some of miamis OTs were $1.2 million each and our NIL may not be able to afford that but surely NIL combined with our SEC payouts should.

It’s time to play DJ.

Billy has made it a point to talk up character in recruiting and bringing in players and coaches that have it. If these are men of character the coaches and players will continue to play hard and compete. Mullen's team quitting on him was the last straw for me. Will be very interesting moving forward if Billy and staff have the chops to keep the team from throwing in the towel. I've always respected those teams, we've all seen them thru the years, that despite nothing to play for continue to compete and give effort. We shall see!

Whelp, I bought into the hype and it all came crashing down. I'm not even mad anymore, just resigned which is sad.

Issue & Solutions:

Issue
Expected Mertz to have a great game. Love the kid but could not connect on long throws. Missed key reads. Threw into traffic.
Solution
Mertz has a concussion. Start Lagway and ride him the rest of the way. I am sorry for Graham, but these kids get paid and they are adults. The only way to bring some life into this team and program is with DJ but unfortunately, preacher Billy will put Mertz back in even if Lagway lights it up.

Issue
OL was awful
Solution
I don't have one. Maybe rotate new players in there are put Hayden on the right side and play with basically 6 OL.

Issue
WR's don't seem to be open.
Solution
How about stop throwing so many crossing routes? Spread the offense and let DJ play QB. Mertz does not have the zip on the ball to make the throws Ward was making yesterday.

Issue
Defense
Solution - Again. No idea. I am shocked we could not get any pressure up front. Miami may have the best OL we play all year, but come on. Also, stop playing zone. Let our corners play man. I think the LB's are much improved, they just had OL hitting them.

Special Teams - crazy, but one of the lone bright spots. Crenshaw was amazing.

Issue
Billy is our coach
Solution
He is going no where. Too much money. SS needs to tell him to give up OL play calling. Billy is a great person, but he does not appear to be a really good coach, motivator, etc..

That Miami is one of the top 3-4 teams in the nation this season. Because if they aren’t and we lost to them yesterday like we did, then I don't see a scenario where this teams wins more than 4 games this season.

I think there is an outside chance that the only game we are favored to win going forward is next week’s game.

I think TAMU will be favored by a couple points given how we both played yesterday.

If MSU can beat ASU this weekend, they will be 3-0 when we go there and more than likely we will be 1-2.

Kentucky will probably be 4-2 when they come to UF.

UCF is the other one that we might be favored in simply because we’re UF and they’re UCF. But that’s a pick ‘em game, at best, at this point.

If we win 4, BN’s record after this season will be 15-22 (.405).

I didn't play or coach football but I have watched a hell of a lot in 71 years so this is opinion is my lowest form of knowledge regarding yesterday.
Miami was a much better than anticipated, they played like an upper tiered SEC team and the Gators were not prepared and that is on Napier.
But there is a lot of blame to spread around. I don't like criticizing Gator players but Mertz was having a really bad day. Yes he was under pressure but he missed several wide open receivers when he was under minimal pressure. Until he was hurt it was his worst performance as a Gator. Take away Montrell's 71 yd run and the Gator O was lethargic until Lagway came in.
My biggest disappointment yesterday? The Gator secondary. Since January all we've heard is about the recruiting and coaching chops of Harris. Miami has good receivers but they were creating separation easily. And with the refs allowing a great deal of contact between receiver and DB's I would have thought the Gator DB's would have been in the grille of Miami WR's all day. And Ward made so many bad throws behind his receivers, but there was no DB around so the receivers had little problems catching them. How wide open was the receiver when Asa Turner was hurt? Miami's TE was all alone inside the redzone for one of the easiest TD passes I have ever seen.
Also disappointed with all I have heard about the superior S & C and nutrition going on. While the Gators looked to be in condition, Miami seemed to impose their will.
Finally, I think there is a possible solution. Mertz is in concussion protocol and I doubt he plays Saturday against Samford. So Lagway will be QB 1 for that game. Reduce the playbook to plays that feature DJ's skills and shy away from any weaknesses. And if Lagway plays well against Samford make him QB 1 until he proves he does not belong there. DJ's earlier development seems to be the only answer for the Gator O not just this year but the future. This year needs to focus on the development of Lagway and let the record be what it is. This is a lot on Lagway but it seems he came to UF welcoming the challenge.
Unfortunately DJ does not play defense and I don't have a clue how to solve that. I love Mertz, but I think now he needs to be a backup and mentor to Lagway for the good of the Gator team.
But the sun will come out tomorrow and I will still be rooting for the Gators

Gators gain this year
Instead the same regression
Only hope is Lagway
(did I do that right Haiku)?

Praises:
Kam James - everyone knows the play made on the interception... however the most impressive play he made was in the 3rd quarter tracking Restrepo down 50 yards from the LOS.
Special Teams - Smack made his kicks, Crenshaw was solid and Dike did well on the punt return.
Boone taking accountability for his play in postgame interview. Much respect for him.
Lagway's potential - that TD drive gives Gator fans hope on what this season is.

Postulates:
I had written a whole novel that got deleted (dang mouse pad on laptops)... here goes some big picture thoughts and underplayed items:

> This game was the litmus test - a midterm exam that if you flunk you were going to have to drop the class.... Going against a coach who was hired in the same time period, who came from the "Saban" tree, who coaches in the same state, and who has made as many bizzare coaching decisions as you (but has been better at recruiting) - everything was the same... 1st game - so no excuse of being worn down by schedule... a home game... there's bombing the exam and there's BOMBING the exam...

> I hate that my expectations have gone to expecting to win every game in blow out fashion to just hoping we're competitive and can find a way to win.

> Every year we are preached that we're more disciplined, stronger and have learned from past mistakes. Florida fans are Charlie Brown and the coaching staff is Lucy... they promise it'll be different but the ball keeps being taken away.
- 3 preventable plays led to 21 points or minimum 15 more points than expected.
a) Everyone knows about Boone's ROP - which changed sure FG to TD (4 pts)
b) Douglass ROP - led to a TD (7 pts)
c) Denson not properly wearing his mouthpiece (Q2 127 mark)- which completely evaporated any momentum from MJ TD (explain more detail shortly)

- another TO called immediately after returning from break - showing not ready on offensive to go

> Denson not wearing mouthpiece (it's just dangling) and why this was one of the biggest plays of the game and underrated:
Play happens at 1:34 Q2 on 1 & 10 at Miami 37 yd line - The 4th play after MJ TD
Denson tackles Brown inbounds after 8 yard gain (127 on clock) and his helmet pops off during tackle
Instead of clock running and Miami rushing to line and keeping up tempo - limiting play selection... The clock stops - Miami gets to reset and collectively catch their breath... Denson is removed from the game and clock doesn't start until snap.
Miami gets 1st down, deep pass completion, incomplete and TD and still has 45 seconds remaining in half and of course our response is a sack to close 1st half

- Boone ROP play - was the biggest play of the game and how Florida responded to it. With game at 330pm - the first quarter was the hottest part of the game. Florida can only last 4 plays on first drive, Boone's play gives Miami 2 additional plays and 4 additional points.. Florida now has to try to burn some clock to give the D a break and make Miami's D stay out there - they instead only last 4 plays - continuing an East/West (outside the hashmarks offense) and it back fires. In addition they catch a break when instead of going for it on 4th and 5 from the 41 they punt and Miami immediately turns ball over. Was the play calling philosophy changed to be less aggressive downfield in the hopes of having a more sustainable drive - something which Florida ultimately proved it was incapable of doing

When they finally tried a deep N/S - throws were not even close to completion.

- Look at # of plays Miami ran in 1st half vs. Florida - wore them out

> only made 1 first down on offense (in garbage time) and gave up 50% 3rd down conversions

> What happened to "Scared Money don't make Money" - Miami was more aggressive on offense and was rewarded. Why didn't we go for 4th on 5 on Miami territory or fake a P when the D was clearly gassed and outclassed?

> line of scrimmage was dominated on both sides of ball - maybe recruiting higher caliber Offensive lineman instead of taking remaining scraps and leftovers

> Lost Turnover battle 2-1

> Lost sack battle 3-1

> Florida scoring while Mertz was in the game consisted of a 1 play drive and a possesion where the D put the O into FG range to start

> Middle 8 - Florida outscored 14-7 and allowed Miami to score TD's right before HT and immediately after - causing score to go 17-14 to 31-14... game over

> Thought MJ was tentative first 2 series but ran more decisively starting the 3rd series

> Coaching staff clearly made statement on other RB's not being ready to pass block as MJ was only back playing each series when game was in doubt

> Thought officiating was fine and only called clear and obvious... for those wanting ROP on Mertz injury - rusher allowed one step from pass - well within rules.

> If Napier is smart - he's been given a gift from the Gods... with Mertz sustaining a concussion - gives Napier an easy excuse to start Lagway vs Samford and have him start the remainder of the season... it's a lost year (I know overreaction but 2+years hasn't shown anything different). Mertz is a luxury backup and give Gator fans hope for the future and have this year be meaningful in giving Lagway the experience he needs for next year. Plus the OL & TE have proven they are not able block long enough for a Mertz to be effective - so use Lagway's skills to improve the OL's chances at success... It might allow for more than bubble screens and passes to the flat. (which those posts to Tre were beautiful and missing with Mertz - which his first completion between hash came when score was 31-10)

> Desmond Watson - a lot has been said about him - I give him props - it's clear he's still a work in progress - but he definitely showed greater endurance than last season. I pray that he continues to develop and takes advantage of the resources Florida provides.

> Here's hoping for more playing time for our true freshman and underclassmen - as it's clear the current upperclassmen will not be appearing on any all SEC lists at the end of the season.

I really wanted Napier to succeed and I've been an apologist and backer ... but after getting this midterm exam back - it's clear Florida is no longer relevant in the college football landscape and that's completely unacceptable and a complete overhaul will be required. If it comes to that I hope that it's never Kiffin or Urban as we still need men of character and leadership to develop our future generation.

Maybe we should’ve spent a little extra money on some OL and DL? Are there not startup cost to any successful business?

Guess what Miami will likely not have to do after this year? Overpay.

Wow looks like he Really put in the work

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Hector takes a look at three must win games for the Gators


The Florida Gators are less than two weeks away from the start to their 2024 football season. The Gators will have the toughest schedule in college football, and just about every game should be competitive.



Florida opens their 2024 season with an in-state rivalry game and plays many more nationally-ranked opponents. The Gators will take on eight teams ranked in the Preseason AP Top 25. Here are three must-win games for the Florida Gators heading into the 2024 season.



Florida versus Miami



The Florida Gators will open the 2024 season at home versus in-state rival, the Miami Hurricanes. Heading into the season, the Miami Hurricanes are ranked 19th in the AP Preseason Top 25 ranking.



The Gators have a home-and-home series scheduled with the Hurricanes for the season openers for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Florida last played Miami in Week 0 of the 2019 season and defeated the Hurricanes 24-20.



Both teams need to start their season off on the right foot especially the Gators. With Florida’s difficult schedule, they need to beat Miami to jump-start their season with positive momentum heading into more ranked opponents.



2. Florida versus Texas A&M



After the Miami and Samford games, Florida will host the Texas A&M Aggies for their first SEC game of the season. The Aggies will head into Gainesville with new head coach, Mike Elko. This will also be his first SEC game as Texas A&M’s head coach.



The Aggies come into the 2024 season ranked #20 in the AP Preseason Top 25 rankings. While the Aggies lost some of their best players to the Transfer Portal, they still landed some players who are expected to make an immediate impact including some former Gator players.



3. Florida at Florida State



In the final game of the 2024 season, Florida will travel to Tallahassee, Florida to take on another in-state rival, the Florida State Seminoles. The Gators have struggled at the Seminoles in recent years and could finish their regular season strong with a road win in hostile territory.



Heading into the 2024 season, the FSU Seminoles are ranked tenth in the AP Top 25 polls. The Seminoles have won the last two matchups but Florida leads in the all-time series with a 37-28-2 record against Florida State.

Simply put, our program stinks right now

. As I’ve said before, it’s time to sell our soul to the devil, the only way to win.

College football has become what major league baseball did years ago when the Yankees used to spend money, to get the best players. That’s who Miami is now we are the Chicago Cubs of long years.

I’m tired of Integrity. Integrity just got us where we are now.

Just like Dabo Swinney. Our people running the program to wake up.

It's hard to see the positives after that thrashing, but I think this team can still go 11-1 or 10-2 at worst.

-Slaughter played a great game. Easily our best OL since O'Cyrus and will be a finalist for the Rimington Award

-The offense looked completely different with Lagway running it. We need to start him the rest of the way to let him gain experience

-Eugene Wilson is shifty with the ball in his hands

-Castell looked really good in the second half

-Pup Howard is our best LB since Jarrad Davis. He brings the fire and gets his man down on every play

Keep your heads up Gator fans!!!

Does anyone know if Russ or BN were calling the plays yesterday? I told my son on the first drive that it didn't look like our scripted first drives that Russ called last year. Nothing seemed to change in the play calling compared to last year so I suspect Russ wasn't involved in play calling at all yesterday.

I've been going back and forth whether to even post this or not. I've thought "no" because I feel it might make the apologists freak out and label me as a hater, which I am not (currently). I also didn't want to give the haters more ammo. I think it's way too early to make any final decisions.

I just decided to post it because I doubt many will come across the video and I think it's pretty interesting. Jay Gruden may not be coaching in the NFL currently but he knows offense. I'm a Skins fan so I'm very familiar with Gruden. He's not head coaching material from a leadership standpoint but he DEFINITELY understands concepts. He's very smart and is an excellent talent evaluator. I'm sure the first thing everyone will say is that he's washed up, out of the league, etc.... The guy understands football. He's arguably had more success than any coach under Snyder, which is saying something.

Ok, all of that aside..... When getting to Pearsall I was somewhat surprised how Gruden described Florida's offense. He was unflattering to say the least. He was very complimentary of Pearsall but hates the offense. In these player breakdowns he rarely says anything negative about a team, player, program, etc... Several times he voiced how unimpressive the offensive concepts are. It doesn't completely change my thoughts to one direction but I thought it was interesting to understand how one offensive coach with many years of NFL experience views things currently.

Jay Gruden on Pearsall

Any word on his injury?

That’s what it would cost us to do the obvious. Lose Saturday and I’d donate.

Everyone would.

Well besides you know who? Mr. 23 years and counting of Never paying Rivals a Penny.

That’s Sad!

Well Yes it is!!!

Does Billy have the funds and support to hire who he’s really wanted in these staff positions? It hard to believe some of these guys were his first choice.

My Lane Kiffen up 73-0 in the 4th Q got whacked for what reason? Nothing disparaging in that thread.

Rock fight going on here...aTm QB who was gonna light the world on fire is now 10-24 for 91 yards with 2 picks...but they have a defense with a pulse so they are still in it and maybe about to tie the game...

Looking for 3 champions club tickets for my kids. They don’t have to be all together

Looking for 2 reasonably priced tickets for Samford game in Champions Club

Need 2 tickets in Champions Club for Samford game.

No message because he won't play again