Following a 41-17 loss to Toledo in which Mississippi State trailed by as many as 32 points early in the second half, the Bulldogs (1-2) welcome in Florida for their Southeastern Conference opener Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN.
The Gators (1-2, 0-1 SEC) are off to a topsy-turvy start after dropping their first conference game at home last week against Texas A&M. Florida also lost to in-state rival Miami in its season opener, and like MSU, its only win was against an FCS team (Samford in Week 2). Graham Mertz and true freshman DJ Lagway have both spent time behind center for head coach Billy Napier, who is very much on the hot seat early in his third season in Gainesville.
To learn more about this Gators team, The Commercial Dispatch chatted with Kevin Brockway, who covers Florida for the Gainesville Sun.
Editor’s note: This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
The Dispatch: What’s the state of this Florida team through three games, especially with a coach whose job status is so uncertain?
Kevin Brockway: Florida coaches and players are saying the right things about eliminating outside distractions and keeping the circle tight. But the Mississippi State game will present an interesting test in that regard. Does Florida get the kind of effort and intensity needed to win an SEC game on the road with Napier a lame duck? Or will Florida loaf and go through the motions? Going on the road could help galvanize the Gators after the 1-2 start and hearing boos at The Swamp last week. But the 11 a.m. local kickoff time could work against the Gators. Florida is going to need to bring its own energy. Playing for a coach with his job on the line could provide the motivation needed. This game will tell how well-liked Napier is by his players.
The Dispatch: The Gators have used two quarterbacks so far. What are each of their strengths, and who do you believe gives them the best chance to win?
Brockway: I still believe Mertz gives Florida the best chance to win based on his experience against Power Four conference competition. Mertz was solid last week, going 12-of-15 for 195 yards and a touchdown, though he did throw a pick six that deflected off a receiver and into the hands of a defensive back. Lagway had a dazzling 456-yard performance against Samford, but couldn’t carry it over to the Texas A&M game as he threw for just 54 yards and was picked off twice. Lagway is more the dual-threat option, though he hasn’t run much so far this season. Napier rotated the quarterbacks by series against Texas A&M, but he said this week he may keep it more open-ended, depending on which quarterback has the hot hand.
The Dispatch: Quarterbacks aside, what will be the biggest challenges Florida’s offense will pose?
Brockway: Surprisingly, the Gators haven’t run the ball as well as I thought they would going into the season. Some of that is on the offensive line failing to open up holes. Montrell Johnson Jr. is still a big-play threat at running back; he ran for a 71-yard touchdown against Miami and has three rushing touchdowns on the season. At wide receiver, transfers Elijhah Badger (Arizona State) and Chimere Dike (Wisconsin) have both stood out through the first three games. Florida’s best receiver, Eugene Wilson III, sat out the Texas A&M game with a knee injury.
The Dispatch: What do you make of this Gators defense, and what will it need to do to slow down the Bulldogs’ offense?
Brockway: Florida has had problems on defense at all three levels, little-to-no pass rush, miscommunications in the secondary and tackling issues. Napier said they’ve worked on “between-play” defense this week in practice, getting lined up right, making sure the right personnel are in the game, etc. These are all things that should have been shored up in spring and fall camp. But this is where Florida is at this point.
The Dispatch: Florida will win if…
Brockway: The Gators can establish the run and the defense improves.
The Dispatch: Florida will lose if…
Brockway: The run game remains stalled and there are more defensive breakdowns.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
