Billy Napier responds to boos at The Swamp, evaluation of program
Billy Napier and Florida (5-4) are now on a 2-game losing streak after a 39-36 overtime loss to visiting Arkansas. To make matters even more dejecting, it was the Razorbacks’ first victory at The Swamp in the history of the program.
Florida allowed Arkansas to gain a season-best 481 yards in the loss. Despite bowl eligibility still swinging in the balance, Napier is attempting to put a positive spin on Florida’s outlook, claiming the Gators are in a “good place.”
Yet, in order for Florida to reach bowl eligibility, they’ll have to win 1 of the last 3 games against No. 14 LSU, No. 12 Missouri or the season finale vs. No. 4 Florida State.
Napier says he thinks this team is in "a good place." That may be hard for people to understand, he says.
Also says there's a dozen plays in the game that if Florida got half them right, outcome would have been different— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) November 6, 2023
Napier found a silver lining with the way Florida competed during the contest that featured many lead changes.
Billy Napier was impressed with how the #Gators stuck together and fought through adversity during the game (down 14-0, multiple comebacks to take leads).
Focused on turning adversity into advantages. "We have to create that attitude and mindset."
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) November 6, 2023
“We have to create that attitude and mindset,” Napier said.
Florida will have a major test at LSU this weekend and Napier is up for the challenge.
'It's a memory and experience you sign up for,' Billy Napier on playing in LSU's Tiger Stadium.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) November 6, 2023
Frustrated Florida fans from booed the Gators during the loss to Arkansas.
#Gators coach Billy Napier on boos at the Swamp: 'I think we handed it off on third-and-13 with a backup quarterback. We got some boos for that. I think that was right decision for the team.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) November 6, 2023
“I think we handed it off on 3rd-and-13 with a backup quarterback,” Napier said. “We got some boos for that. I think that was [the] right decision for the team.”
Napier refuses to panic about the overall state of the program and is going to let the season play itself out before making any big decisions.
Napier says they'll evaluate everything with the big-picture infrastructure after the season, as usual.
"Now’s not the time to do that"— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) November 6, 2023
“Now’s not the time to do that,” Napier said.
Florida at LSU is slated for a 7:30 p.m. EST kickoff (SEC Network).
