It was a shockingly good Homecoming for Florida, as the Gators neutered the Mildcats 48-20 in front of a happy and relieved crowd at The Swamp. After losing to this inferior program for 3 straight seasons, a sense of normalcy was restored into the series as it was the Gators’ opponent for a change left wondering what happened and in disarray after a big road loss.
This game provided a glimpse – however brief – into the possible future for the Gator offense. Injuries forced Billy Napier to start DJ Lagway at QB and Jaden Baugh at RB, and both delivered in a big way. Lagway completed only 7 of 14 passes, but totaled a whopping 259 yards with a series of deep strikes that gutted UK’s secondary. Baugh tied the Florida freshman record with 5 TD runs, while showing strength and will in breaking many tackles along with plenty of yards after contact while piling up 112 yards. Elijhah Badger again was the leader of the WR corps with 148 yards on just 3 receptions. Lagway’s ability to run obviously helped to open up the running game, and his deep throws forced Kentucky to back off of the line of scrimmage – what a novel concept! I’d still like to see the TEs incorporated more to help sustain drives, but hopefully, that comes with experience.
The Gator defense continued it’s recent run of improved play, holding the Mildcats to 317 yards of total offense – much of which came in garbage time. Only 1 sack was recorded, but the front seven had consistent pressure into the backfield most of the night, forcing Brock Vandagriff into some hurried throws and also not allowing Kentucky to control the game on the ground, as it had been able to do the previous 3 games. DTs Caleb Banks and Cam Jackson controlled the interior, while Jack Pyburn set the edge and made several big tackles – showing he’s finally 100% healthy after last years’ ACL injury suffered in the final game against F$U. The Florida secondary also had a solid game with some tight coverage, pass breakups, and getting 3 interceptions in a single game for the first time in ages. That tied last season’s total – which shows how terrible last year’s defense truly was. Aaron Gates played his best game to date at the STAR position, making plays all over the field. Devon Moore showed why he’s always been highly thought of as a CB with good coverage all evening. Trikweze Bridges made his statement for a starting role at safety, totaling 11 tackles and flying all over the field. Even Cormani McClain came to real life from his picture on the side of a milk carton, making a nice break on the ball for a pick 6 and an even better trail technique play to tip away a sure TD pass. The only sour note was a potentially big one, however – Jason Marshall left the game right before the half with what appears to be at least a separated shoulder, putting his availability in question for the huge tests coming up on the schedule.
The questions being asked now are: Were injuries to Graham Mertz and Montrell Johnson the only reason we finally got to see Lagway and Baugh get to start against a legitimate opponent? (yes). Why haven’t we seen this number of deep throws more often in the offense? (Mertz simply wasn’t capable of it). Why haven’t we seen this level of aggression from the defense from the start of the season? (coaching malpractice). For all of the deserved criticism leveled at Napier for 2 1/2 seasons and more than ever in 2024, the players obviously haven’t quit playing for each other and have shown legitimate improvement in the past 3 games. I can only hope that continues.
Florida gets its second bye week of the season now before traveling to Jacksonville to renew hostilities with Georgia. The Bulldogs will be coming off of a massive road win at then-#1 Texas, and look terrific on defense – again. I’ll be back next week with my preview of the game. For now……Go Gators!