“A Lot on the Line for Billy [Napier]”: Josh Pate Makes Massive Claims For Florida HC’s Future Ahead of LSU Matchup at Death Valley

2025 was supposed to be the season for the Florida Gators. They came in revitalized by the fact that they were bringing quarterback DJ Lagway as their starter from Week 1, after having a good second half of the season with him as their starter in 2024.

While not everything is lost yet, the Week 2 defeat to the South Florida Bulls 18-16 put a big dent in their College Football Playoff aspirations this year. It also made an already difficult game against the LSU Tigers in Week 3 all the more critical. For analyst Josh Pate, Billy Napier’s future could even be on the line:

“Florida has got potential for a long time. The productions got to be there. I don’t think it’s unfair to talk about a lot, a lot, a lot is on the line for Billy (Napier) this weekend,” Said Pate on ESPN’s Get Up this Thursday. (2:52)

Pate pointed out that while there was some patience with Napier and the Florida Gators last season, especially after losing Graham Mertz and finding a turnaround for their season in DJ Lagway, this time around, the team has to deliver.

A victory over LSU could be the turnaround the Gators are looking for, with the Tigers currently being ranked as the No. 3 team in the nation.

DJ Lagway Blames Himself for Florida’s Defeat to South Florida in Week 2

After the defeat on Saturday, coach Billy Napier was apologetic and took the blame for his team’s defeat. However, quarterback DJ Lagway seemed to think that part of the responsibility for the defeat was on his shoulders:

“I put the offensive responsibilities on myself,” Lagway said following UF’s 18-16 upset loss to USF on Sept. 6. “Got to make the plays when I need to make the plays and when my guys are counting on me. So, I put all that on me.”

Lagway threw for 222 yards, with one touchdown pass and an interception. His completion percentage was 69.6%. While these numbers don’t look incredibly bad, the QBR assigned by ESPN does: 58.8.

DJ Lagway also put to rest any worries about his physical condition and vowed to improve his performance as the Gators prepare to face the Tigers over the weekend.

Read more:

Joel Klatt Minces No Words About DJ Lagway’s Upcoming Struggles Against LSU in Week 3

Insider Names Crucial Detail That Will Make Firing Billy Napier Very Difficult For Florida

DJ Lagway Transfer Portal: Insider Weighs In on QB’s Role in Potential Billy Napier Firing

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