A Sobering Conversation About Gator Football After Beating LSU

[@Gardenerjohn-northfl]

45:47 hold on to that feeling. I’ve been coming at y’all for the last little bit, because I’m a fan that is tired of the majority of the negativity that I hear about our team coming from internal sources. I really do think it’s a bad look. I think it hurts the ultimate goal, especially after a decision has been made. I think you guys are true fans and I know that losing sucks, but I think it’s true that Billy is a good coach. I think we are lucky to have him. At worst I think he can be a Mark Richt and win 10+ games consistently and set the table for the next guy. I personally think he’s the guy that can lead a bunch of young men to great things and I think we’ve seen flashes. So as a fan I say be positive and let the results speak for themselves as we move forward. And I’m going to leave it here, wish you the best, and say Go Gators!

[@inallkindsofweatherforecast]

Fair enough 🤝

[@brewc11]

You know a program is dead when the fans accept consistent sub par performance then wins 1 game and are happy about the whole season.

[@Sorley09]

Neil.. Your thought process is a General, HIGH LEVEL, analysis. Just like life, shit can change FAST. In a blink of an eye! Lagway is 3-1 as the starter and he elevates the team. Napier’s play calling hasn’t changed, but the offense looks good.. The defense has the same players and same coaches, but the play has elevated.. It’s the Lagway effect, my guy..

[@christopheryanes7571]

Lagway is different that’s for sure

[@flipseason5612]

Because we need to stop this nonsense of firing coaches every three years, that has gotten us nowhere.

[@frankygaulden1443]

Firing coaches hasn't been our problem. Hiring bad coaches is the problem. While firing coaches is not a perfect solution, at least there's hope of a fix (assuming we bring a capable AD in). Your solution is to keep a coach that isn't getting it done after nearly 3 years? Where's the logic in that?

[@lovathedick]

Muschamp and Mullen got more than 3 years my guy.

[@Iceman-xq9pe]

are you an idiot? Its about hiring the right coach. PERIOD

[@jaredolsen5293]

Reason for Napier return (opinion): Young team that believes in him and ultimately will transfer if he gets fired. The experience the Freshman/Sophomores are getting is very valuable and can possibly be negated under a brand new system and coach. A spot in the playoff is the standard next year. Anything less is a failure and I believe they’re in the position to make a run contingent on retaining talent and grabbing some needed positional transfers.

[@christopheryanes7571]

This is all true but he’s got to make CFP next year

[@Gardenerjohn-northfl]

@@christopheryanes7571he said that in his comment

[@brewc11]

Young team? This is Billy's 3rd year... where is super recruiters stable of juniors ready to set the world on fire next year? Oh wait... the entire teams future is resting on two true freshmen... and hopes on spending buy out cash raised in the portal... good luck raising that money again next year with another lossing season hoping to break even by the last game of the year.... the program is blowing its entire wad on next year

[@Gardenerjohn-northfl]

@@brewc11 go hide

[@tracytaylor9907]

We gotta move on with the coach thing. He’ll be there next year and that’s that. Let’s rally behind this team and stop putting any Florida win on the other team’s deficiencies. Florida looks way better than they started. Go Gators 🐊

[@Bengators34]

Exactly beating the dead horse on this is getting old

[@TheLolapuff]

Typical female acquiescence Bull crap. Let’s get a championship coach in here not an excuse maker who refuses to swallow his unearned pride and do the right thing and hire an OC.

[@pvsurfco]

It’s getting so so old.

[@tracytaylor9907]

@@TheLolapuff first of all, I’m all man, inside and out. And 2nd I’m allowed to have my opinion. Fact is; WE AIN’T GETTING ANOTHER COACH RIGHT NOW. MOVE ON BROTHER.

[@gtringa5894]

Napier lost me last year with play calling in the F$U game. I understand why he's been given another year based on a lot of Chris's comments however I am not convinced he will lead the resurgence of the program. The team is playing hard and better with Lagway but what if we get boat raced Saturday? I lived through the 70's/80's and never seen us this bad with exception of 79'. Hopefully we have a great ending to this recruiting season and the talent level is high enough to offset some of our coaching deficiencies next year. Win or lose I will continue to support this team and scream my guts out in the swamp every home game. Go Gators!

[@willhopson1277]

Don’t really see us getting boat raced or even close to it UNLESS we make a lot of self inflicted mistakes like a fumble or pick 6 return

[@mizer9510]

The reason why I'm okay with Napier coming back is because ever since the Miss St game it seems like they have finally figured out what it takes to win. They have played hard and been in every game except the Texas game only because of injuries and the players like Napier and are playing their butts off for him. It's important for recruiting too that kids know who the coach is gonna be. I think the sample size is big enough now that you can see the improvement this season and they are learning what it takes to win big games.

[@brewc11]

The stats over 3 years does not reflect your optimism

[@mizer9510]

@@brewc11 We've had 3 bad games and 3 good games against top 25 teams. The performance and effort against Tennessee, Georgia, and LSU are very encouraging and if they play like that against Ole Miss too I am very optimistic about next season.

[@68air]

They didn't beat LSU because of Napier, they won in spite of him.

[@williambyrd2149]

They beat #9 Ole Miss as Lagway outdueled the SEC's statistical leader QB Dart. Future is bright if we put our $ into more players and not a 40 Mol staff buyout. Uninjured Lagway beats the Bulldogs.

[@eliyawahamashi8310]

We have elite speed on offense we just don't have a play caller to make the offense blossom. The tunnel screen was there all day vs LSU. Also, on 3rd & long, why not get our explosive RBs out in space with screen passes, instead of dropping DJ back and risk further injury? We need a play caller

[@derekkastpr94]

I’m sure if Billy wins next year you’re gonna be like ohh ya they are the best never had a doubt!

[@ZaireGatorBucs]

8-4 next season (in year 4) under Billy Napier isn’t gonna be good enough for us that being the fanbase/GatorNation.. however the scariest thought that alot of us have is that 8-4 in 2025 will be enough for *Scott P. Diddy Stricklin* and then we’d likely only have 1 more season potentially with DJ Lagway before he inevitably goes pro. I can hope for the best next season but just like i personally predicted before this current 2024 season started the first 2 or 3 game of the season will tell me a long ways what type of season it’s gonna be next year in 2025. A 3-0 start to 2025 is a must & quite frankly is doable! At the end of the day a reporter or whomever needs to publicly ask Scott Stricklin himself the question of “is it playoff or bust next season in 2025?” not a specific record number but just that question there.

[@acct5910]

8-4 against a repeat of the strongest schedule in the country isn’t good enough? Then Lagway and Baugh would return in 2026 for a CFP run.

[@garytaft4318]

Playoffs or fired next year go gators

[@lyricpennywell2027]

If anyone is ok with 8-4 or 7-5 next year congratulations we are Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Kentucky now. Good enough for 1 or 2 big games per year but never come close to a conference or playoff birth. No bs excuses next year.

[@acct5910]

8-4 next year against the strongest schedule in the country again would be a massive success, and put us on track for a CFP bid in 2026

[@williambyrd2149]

UF plays the toughest 2025 schedule. Lagway wins the Heisman in 2026 versus an easier schedule. Lagway will have surrounding teamates in 2026 experienced in one system if we keep Billy.

[@rodneybrooks7307]

We won because LSU and coach checked out not a great win

[@WolfeGator]

Next year Napier its Playoff or Bust.

[@christopheryanes7571]

💯

[@fightinggator4398]

D looks better when O plays better!

[@Intimigator]

I was on board with firing Napier after the Miami game. The Texas A&M game disgusted me so much that I practically boycotted Florida football for almost a month. But being a fair man, I must admit that outside of the Texas game, this team has played almost night and day better since its first bye week. And given how the young players have played during the last two months and vocally supported Napier, I can at least start to understand why UF would give him a 4th season. With that being said, the bar for Napier to clear next year is making the CFP. Lagway will have plenty of experience from this season and plenty of weapons at his disposal to lead a team with a competent coach to the CFP. I don't care if Florida goes 8-4 next year and barely misses the CFP. If Napier can't make the CFP or make Lagway a Heisman finalist with this loaded offense in 2025, then he deserves to be fired.

[@williambyrd2149]

2026 has an easier schedule than BRUTAL 2025 schedule. Having the 2026 Heisman winner in Lagway who is trained in one system will put UF back on the map. If Billy blows 2026 then you can fire him at much lower buyout. Truth is we are likely in 2026 playoffs.

[@jeremycarpenter5550]

Gator fans need to chill out billy is the man he will win a cfp next year we have the toughest schedule in college football we will win out this satuday and we will win out next year too.

[@Gardenerjohn-northfl]

Preach!!!! These guys are fsu plants sent to ruin our program with their negativity

[@brewc11]

😂😅😂😅

[@frankygaulden1443]

To answer the question posted on the pod "are the Gators turning a corner?" My answer is, THIS TEAM has definitely turned a corner. I'm not sure this PROGRAM has turned a corner. I feel like our program is being heavily lifted by a generational talent in DJ Lagway. If he weren't here, would we be having success befitting of a year 3 championship coach? I don't think so. I hope I'm wrong but it doesn't feel as if this success has staying power.

[@christopheryanes7571]

Great answer to this question. Love your comments!

[@brewc11]

Lagway wins in spite of the play calling...

[@inallkindsofweatherforecast]

Excellently put.

[@williambyrd2149]

Success in SEC requires a trained premier QB like Lagway is becoming. Lagway likely Heisman winner in 2026 if we don't blow 40 mil on a coach buyout. Lagway will attract top talent to UF. Uninjured Lagway beats UGA.

[@JamesFerguson1313]

What his record with DJ starting and finishing the game I’ll wait

[@christopheryanes7571]

Mentioned it in my last show. 3-0!

[@JamesFerguson1313]

@ how bout this big win over olepuss Go Gators o

[@WalkerSportsLounge]

Napier needs to go 9-3 next year, no exceptions

[@johntrucano8186]

I don't think anyone is okay with 7 or 8 wins every year. The team has definitely improved as the season has progressed. Having said that, next year has to be significantly better from the very first game or he has to go. Even this year regardless of what Stricklin says, if they lose to fsu, Napier shouldn't even be allowed on the bus back to Gville from Tally.

[@rodrigocurbelo8692]

Bandwagoner! Keeping Billy is a cost benefit analysis, right now! It’s the best option because of recruiting, Lagway and because starting over would be stupid. Who do you bring in? What happens to this year’s class? Firing him now sets us back. Can’t change the past. Just move on, be a fan and stop trying to prove you’re right.

[@newkidontheblockism]

Who hurt you?

[@marcusnelson7026]

The CFP committee is far too mercurial to say playoffs or bust. He does have to be solidly in the conversation for the CFP, and recruiting well.

[@tracytaylor9907]

Wow! Sounds like Florida just lost against LSU. Texas ; if we generate no offense whatsoever, can’t expect the defense to hold up against a top team.

[@JamesFerguson1313]

Negativity loading…….

[@brewc11]

Honesty

[@rk41gator]

Of course, the fans expect the Gators to be better next year. Billy Napier's style of coaching is a slow boil. He is building a solid base. I like his style, quality kids like his style, and Napier has character. Do we want Florida to be a carousel of coaches? Who wants to coach in that scenario? Desperation? Looking at numbers is OK, but not what Florida fans need to be. Me. I'm out of here, whiners.

[@hankingaround713]

Love the Passion! Tell me who we can get to replace Billy?

[@TheLolapuff]

Anybody with a brain

[@christopheryanes7571]

Remains to be seen now

[@JamesFerguson1313]

Everyone we play is good or favored until we win then they are not so…

[@williambyrd2149]

Only fire Billy in 2026 at the lower buyout. Keep Billy and Lagway and we have a trained team in one system that is a national championship contender vs UF's easier 2026 schedule.

[@JamesFerguson1313]

DJ ain’t going 5-7 😂

[@j.peaceo1031]

"All kinds of weather my foot." Better just call yourselves fair weather fans. When all those so called fans were booing you, Coach, and so called Gator pundits like Ali Peek, Bud Martin, HighTop were calling for your head after Texas AM, there were those of us who always believed in you and this group. And when we make it the Championship game in a couple of years, there'd be a lot of so called "gators" eating crow.

[@philipvaughn1886]

reality is most important. the gators are still hot trash. Napier is hot trash

[@robhickox4793]

When does The whining stop

[@inallkindsofweatherforecast]

When Florida is competing for national championships again, the way they're supposed to be. We don't settle for mediocrity like you. Sorry.

[@Mr._Bassman97]

At this point your data is irrelevant. I’m not saying Napier is a good coach. He’s staying to keep Lagway at Florida. That’s it. They will buy a team for 25’ and try to make a run. Let’s just wait to make a final judgement after next season. If he blows it I’m all on board for him to be fired.

[@Gardenerjohn-northfl]

Never with these guys. They don’t understand the game of football, which is obvious from their analysis, and they are so desperate to be right that they would sink our whole program than admit that Billy is the guy. I imagine they won’t post anything after we whip ole miss Saturday.

[@biggsb1493]

@@inallkindsofweatherforecastshut up man

[@inallkindsofweatherforecast]

@@biggsb1493no

[@jeremycarpenter5550]

Florida beats ole miss at home and fsu and win the bowl game . Chill out guys

[@brewc11]

6 and 6 is a win in year 3?

[@williambyrd2149]

Idiots. PAYING 40 MIL STAFF BUYOUT IS DUMB IN CURRENT NCAA. THE KEY IS A PREMIER QB WHO KNOWS HIS SYSTEM. LAGWAY outdueled TOP QB Dart. UF patience has paid off. Billy's salary cheaper than competitors. Put savings into top players to surround future Heisman Lagway who fills the seats. $ talks your ignorance walks.

[@acct5910]

lmao yall are some losers. Napier has us on track for a CFP bid by 2026.

[@andrewjurnovoy4600]

Neil is a miserable listen. Cites the overall record, power 5 record, and rivals record when all of them overlap. Of course if the overall record is bad then the other 2 will be bad. He repeats the record after every win like a parrot. Billy is staying for now. You don't have to have the discussion after every game. The guy bitched with how the team looked on the road with a 3rd string walk on QB against one of the best teams in the country. Also, he blames a false start on a WR on the head coach. Biased against Napier goggles have to come off at some point watching the game. Napier brought in the best freshman in the sport and the vast majority of the big contributors are young guys he brought in. Of course his record is not the UF standard, but the future looks very good because of the players he brought in and developed. Just talk about the outlook instead of "Billy should be fired" after every game. Expectations will be big next year and if he doesn't deliver, he is likely gone.

[@andrewjurnovoy4600]

Also, he's saying Florida has more talent than Ole Miss to set up to crush Napier after the game lol. 247 composite doesn't factor in the portal much at all which Ole Miss has owned the last 2-3 years. It uses primarily the original high school ranking for the whole team. Ole Miss is one of the most talented teams in the country. And "Ole Miss WRs aren't much better than LSU's" when Ole Miss has the best WRs in the country.

[@inallkindsofweatherforecast]

What did I say that was factually incorrect, though?

[@acct5910]

hahaha you clowns. What do you have to say now?

[@cryptobillionaire2120]

He’s so negative Nancy!

[@inallkindsofweatherforecast]

What did I say that was factually incorrect?