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
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
