The Florida Gators, mentored by interim coach Billy Gonzales, were all smiles after their recent performance in the first quarter of a marquee matchup. On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Gators matched up against one of their conference rivals, Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs, for their Week 8 game of the 2025 NFL season on their home pitch, EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
As pointed out by user @delatorre on X/Twitter, the Gators held a 10-7 lead against the Bulldogs after the first quarter of play. This was the first time since 2016 that Florida had an edge over Georgia after the first period. The snapping of the record came just days after Florida fired former coach Billy Napier on Oct. 19.
This is the first time Florida has had a lead against Georgia after the first quarter since 2016.
— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) November 1, 2025
College football fans online rejoiced in the Gators’ achievement by calling out Napier, who they felt held the Florida-based program back.
“Someone call Billy Napier and fire him again!” one fan wrote.
“Billy Napier should’ve let Billy Gonzales call the plays,” another fan claimed.
“Not seeing Billy Napier on the sidelines is making this game 1000% more enjoyable,” another user shared.
“Whatever happens in this game, it’s been a fun time. I’m having fun. Billy Napier not being here makes this fun. Life is good,” a fan said.
Some X users acknowledged the fact that there is more work to be done by the Gators program than just firing Napier to improve the team.
“But, now we can’t stop the run 🤷🏻,” one user pointed out with an emoji.
“Who cares. Garbage stat. They are not winning this game with Lagway’s legs. He is slow and heavy as hell,” another user wrote.
“Florida Gators might not see a bowl game this year,” a user posted.
As the Gators focus their game plan around coach Gonzales’ tactics for the rest of the campaign, the program is presumably looking for its next main tactician for the 2026 season. Ahead of the game against the Bulldogs, the Gators had won against the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a tight two-point lead, 23-21, on Oct. 18 for Week 7 at their home stadium.
Read More: Analyst Claims “Mutual Interest” Between Urban Meyer and Florida Gators Amid Head Coach Search
The Florida Gators Lost To The Georgia Bulldogs By Four Points
Unfortunately for the Florida Gators, they still ended up losing to the Georgia Bulldogs, 24-20.
A controversial no-call on J. Michael Sturdivant’s catch from DJ Lagway’s throw in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter has sparked debates all over social media, as it would’ve put the Gators on top. Nevertheless, Florida falls to a 3-5 overall record on the year (2-3 SEC).
Also Read: Florida Gators’ Heisman Hype For DJ Lagway Questioned by Analyst Over One Glaring Concern
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