Kirk Herbstreit lobbies for Billy Napier to win SEC Coach of the Year award after win over Ole Miss
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Kirk Herbstreit believes Florida coach Billy Napier should be receiving serious Coach of the Year consideration.
Herbstreit shared that take shortly after Florida finished off a 24-17 upset of Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon in Gainesville. The victory not only clinches bowl eligibility for Florida, but also spoils a possible College Football Playoff appearance for the Rebels.
After a slow start to the season, Napier and the Gators have pulled off a miraculous recovery.
Can a guy with a team that will finish 7-5 win the coach of the year award? He should!!
Billy Napier and @GatorsFB after being 4-5 and losing 2 straight, have beaten LSU and Ole Miss.
So impressive to see this fight from the Gators and their fans after having a tough year. And,…— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 23, 2024
Florida is not yet 7-5, but will be heavily favored next weekend when it faces rival Florida State. The Noles are having a nightmare season after last year’s 13-1 campaign and have just 1 FBS win so far in 2024.
UF’s recovery has been keyed by the emergence of freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. He threw for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win over Ole Miss on Saturday, out-dueling veteran Jaxson Dart.
Florida’s defense has also been very strong this season, particularly in home games. Despite facing arguably the nation’s toughest schedule in 2024, Florida will be going to a bowl game.
Other notable Coach of the Year candidates include Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Colorado’s Deion Sanders and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
