You could feel the energy across Gainesville and the Heavener Football Center in week 2, and simply put: it’s urgent. 

This week’s string of practices felt eerily similar to week 2 in 2023, after Florida dropped its season opener on the road 24-11 to a solid Utah squad. Players are running and not walking. Coaches are being  more verbal and paying attention to even the miniscule details. 

It’s the same exact  situation head coach Billy Napier and his staff were in last year, before they went on to bounce back against an FCS opponent in McNeese, and rattle off consecutive wins against Charlotte and a beating of the Tennessee Volunteers 29-16 in The Swamp.

You can feel the pressure and anxiousness at times, but all at once there seems to be an inhouse understanding that it takes time and to ‘just stick with me and trust the process’, but how much time will it take and is there any even left?

“We’re not here to talk a lot and make excuses,” head coach Billy Napier said following Wednesday’s practice. “We have to go prove it on the field. As a team and as an organization, Saturday we’ll have the chance to do that.” 

With a record of 11-15 in his current tenure at the helm of the Orange and Blue, I would certainly agree. It’s put up or shut up time for Florida before things get out of hand with a gauntlet of a schedule on the horizon. 

That’s exactly why this is the most important game of the season for an underwhelming week 2 matchup against FCS opponent Samford Bulldogs. Here’s a couple questions as to why:

What does Samford bring to the table?

Just two years removed from a stellar 11-2 season that included their current quarterback  Quincy Crittendon accompanied by the same receiving core, the Bulldogs could still pose a threat to a depressing Gator’s secondary that was virtually nonexistent against a similar air attack from Miami in the opener. 

However, coming off a 38-29 loss in fourth quarter meltdown fashion to start the season with an 0-1 record, no one needs this game more than Florida as they introduce a young, new play caller to build confidence and rejuvenate this doubtful Gator fan base. 

Is DJ Lagway the rebirth of Gator Greatness?

That’s an answer no one has– yet. 

Regardless, with veteran Graham Mertz sidelined due to concussion protocol, it’s time to find out what Lagway has to offer when he gets full reign of the entire offense and settles in against a non-SEC opponent in his first start.

Having his number called late in the opener against Miami did nothing but help him and give fans something to look forward to. He flashed the ability to beat defenders with his legs and his arm, completing three of his six passes for 31 yards and rushing four times for 20 yards, but there’s more to come. 

What did he look like this week? 

I don’t care if he’s a true freshman, Lagway’s passing the eye test with a young Cam Newton comparison. He’s shown the ability to be a field general and backs it up with throws that make you stop in your tracks and say, ‘Wow’ out loud. 

His chemistry and cohesiveness with the offensive line along with weapons like Montrell Johnson Jr. and Tre Wilson give his 6-foot-3 240-pound frame the possibility to open Napier’s playbook to be more dynamic than with Mertz and spread the field. 

However, Napier must’ve listened to legendary head coach Steve Spurrier’s suggestion during a podcast interview on Monday on Another Dooley Noted Podcast when he said, “I think we gotta give it to Montrell 25 times a game if we can.” 

Because that’s exactly what may happen this week. 

Expect to see Johnson Jr. to get a healthy helping of run plays, but also more run-pass options for Lagway to read the defense and tote the rock himself if he wants to roll out and hit receivers with more deep balls. Backed by the wakeup call the O-line needed in the opener, it’s safe to say they’ve taken it to heart and will be protecting Lagway, opening up gaps for him to shine and find rhythmn.

If he plays EXTREMELY well, who starts against Texas A&M?

Say Lagway plays well and goes crazy, passing for 300+ yards and 4 touchdowns or something; does that give Napier enough belief to start him again the following week? With a home game against the school that nearly signed him before he arrived on campus in Texas A&M, It’s too tough to tell at this moment, but I don’t see why not.

Coming off an embarrassing loss and pivoting to a freshman quarterback, how much can you really expect out of Lagway? Not a whole lot, no matter the competition. So, the opportunity is there for him to show the football world he is serious and can revive a hopeless Gator Nation.

If he plays sub-par or even terribly? Then you tell him to take it on the chin, learn, and go right back to the veteran in Mertz with no harm no foul,-- except for the fans across the nation who are now considering changing teams.

Where we stand

Overall, the Gators and coach Napier have no choice but to win, obviously. 

Despite the hate and lost hope in him, Napier is a sufficient coach that will help get the wheels moving in the right direction. He may be mis-worded in press conferences and have playcalls that make you scratch your head at times, but this is the here and now.

Firing him will not make matters any better and we must not forget it takes an entire village with a full effort (players just as much as coaches and staff) to get this train moving through the 2024 season. 

The Florida Gators (0-1) host the Samford Bulldogs (0-1) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in The Swamp on Saturday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. on SEC Network.