Billy Napier on Florida losing: 'I'm committed to not getting used to it'
Billy Napier is placing all the heat on himself for Florida’s stagnant 24-11 loss at Utah in Week 1.
Florida out-gained Utah in yards but finished with just 13 rushing yards and had 9 penalties for 46 yards. The Gators only converted once on third down in 13 attempts.
During a Sept. 4 press conference, the Gators head coach touched on a variety of topics regarding the defeat.
Here’s a sampling of what Napier had to say:
Billy Napier on the #Gators losing: “I’m committed to not getting used to it.”
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) September 4, 2023
#Gators head coach Billy Napier: “There’s no individual to blame here but me. The buck stops here. Now we’re going to go fix it.”
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) September 4, 2023
Napier, asked if Florida’s loss to Utah has changed him/his approach: “You just want to do the best job you can do for your people. When you struggle, you want to do better for your folks…
“This group is gonna a respond the right way.”
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) September 4, 2023
Injury updates: Gabe Rubio had an arthroscopic surgery and is still out. Will be back in “a couple weeks.” Devyn Ford is in concussion protocol. Drayk Bowen should be back this week.
Matt Salerno will be out for an extended period of time with a lower leg injury.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) September 4, 2023
Billy Napier is “very disappointed” in the performance at Utah but remains “confident” about the #Gators setup going forward. Surprised by Florida’s penalty issues.
“The things that have nothing to do with the opponent are the things we need to correct.”
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) September 4, 2023
The 44-year-old Napier finished with a 6-7 record in his first season at the helm of Florida. During his first job as a head coach, Napier captured back-to-back Sun Belt titles in 2020-21 at Louisiana. Napier will have to recapture some of that magic in order to not get put on the hot seat in Gainesville.
Florida will attempt to rebound during its home opener at The Swamp against McNeese in Week 2. That contest is slated for Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPNU.
