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Billy Napier time: Florida fans vent Gasparilla Bowl frustrations
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Billy Napier was on hand in Tampa on Thursday as the Florida Gators took on the UCF Knights in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
The new Florida head coach wasn’t on the sidelines as Greg Knox is leading the team on an interim basis. While there have been a few promising signs from the Gators’ offense, it hasn’t translated to a lot of points as they only lead 10-9 at halftime.
Emory Jones, who is transferring in the offseason, is 9-of-22 for 88 yards and has run 8 times for 66 yards. He had plenty of shaky moments in the 1st half, including an overthrow of a wide-open Trent Whittemore after the sophomore wide receiver found himself alone over the middle. The Gators also saw Chris Howard miss badly on a 51-yard field goal.
Dameon Pierce has stood out in his final game in a Florida uniform, taking 10 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. Some Gator fans feel that he could have been used more, which has been a familiar theme this season.
Here’s some of the reaction from the game:
This is my last time being forced to watch Emory Jones at quarterback, so not all things are bad
— Alcoholnicks Anonymous?? (@alcoholnicks) December 24, 2021
Trying to force the ball and now it's a field goal instead of a touchdown. Emory Jones.?? #GasparillaBowl
— Chris (@SportFan1983) December 24, 2021
I can’t say this enough. I will not miss Emory Jones. One bit.
— Heather Thompson (@heathermarietee) December 24, 2021
Should've been 3 straight runs from Dameon Pierce! The only thing that can stop @IRep229 is the play calling ?#GoGators #gogata #Gators
— Jeremy C Barker ✝️ (@neJeremy) December 24, 2021
Sucks this will be the last game I can complain about Dameon Pierce not getting enough carries
— William Norris (@Will_Norris11) December 24, 2021
Hey Gators, I have an idea. Give Dameon Pierce the ball in the second half.
A lot.
And then give it to him some more.
— Nick B. (@Nickbok22) December 24, 2021
Dameon Pierce touched the ball on 6 of Florida's 10 plays during their touchdown drive
He has 5 touches on the other 29 plays
— Ryan Haley (@ryan_dhaley) December 24, 2021
Feels like Dameon Pierce needs to be more involved.
An evergreen statement this season for Florida.
— Chris Boyle (@ChrisBoyleDBNJ) December 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/THATSKIDSUPREME/status/1474192957129506816
Thank God Billy Napier is CANNING EVERYONE ON THIS STAFF!!!!
— Matt Serna (@MattRS15) December 24, 2021
Billy Napier has his work cut out for him.
— Kenny ?✭? (@GatorKenny) December 24, 2021
If you’re brand new to the program like Billy Napier, how do you even go about coaching this team during a game?
— UGA Spike Squad (@UGASPIKESQUAD) December 24, 2021
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
