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The Florida Gators were manhandled by the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville on Saturday. The Bulldogs won 43-20 and gained almost 500 yards of offense.
After the game, Billy Napier was obviously disappointed. Napier acknowledged the talent gap between his team and Georgia, saying the Gators “have work to do.”
Billy Napier on what Georgia has built: “We’ve got work to do to chase them down.”
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) October 28, 2023
Napier has yet to beat Georgia, after he lost 42-20 last season.
On a similar note, Napier noted that the margin of error is extremely thin when you’re playing a team like Georgia.
‘We made too many mistakes today. We knew the margin of error was going to be small,” explained the coach.
#Gators coach Billy Napier: ‘We made too many mistakes today. We knew the margin of error was going to be small.’
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) October 28, 2023
The Gators had 1 turnover and went just 4-11 on 3rd downs.
Napier has received criticism for a 4th down play call from the 1st half. On the play, the ball was snapped to running back Trevor Etienne in what was intended to be a pass play. The Gators turned the ball over on downs, and Napier was asked about that decision after the game.
“I’ve got conviction about the play. That was one of many plays today we’d like to have back,” Napier admitted.
“I’ve got conviction about the play. That was one of many plays today we’d like to have back.” – #Gators HC Billy Napier on the fourth down pass play with Trevor Etienne
— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 28, 2023
Graham Mertz was also asked about the play, but said he was “never going to doubt,” his head coach’s calls.
Florida QB Graham Mertz says he’s “never going to doubt” a play call from Billy Napier when asked about the failed 4th and 1 trick play, a direct snap to Trevor Etienne through Mertz’s legs.
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) October 28, 2023
The Gators will look to get back on track next weekend against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
