GAINESVILLE — If Florida coach Billy Napier is able to save his job, it will begin this week against No. 9 Texas.
Another Gators’ loss would be their fourth straight and leave them an inescapable hole.
The embattled coach, now 20-22 at UF, and his players remain upbeat, but realize time is running out to save their season.
“Everything we’re working for is still on the table,” said sophomore linebacker and leading tackler Myles Graham. “For every game, from here on out, we have to have a great sense of urgency, great attention to detail, great intensity. We need to make sure we bring that energy every single game, like we’re playing it like it’s our last game.
“Our backs are against the wall, so we have to play like our hair is on fire.”
The No. 9 Longhorns (3-1) look to continue the Gators’ slide.
Steve Sarkisian’s squad opens SEC play looking to live up their preseason No. 1 ranking after reaching the 2024 CFB semifinals. Texas is Florida’s third straight top-10 foe.
“It’s another week in the SEC against a formidable opponent,” Napier said. “Each week will require our best.”
The Gators hope to ride a wave of momentum from a sold-out crowd at the Swamp, where they fell to 15-7 under Napier after a stunning 18-16 loss Sept. 6 to USF.
Florida fans are among the nation’s most supportive, but could quickly turn vociferous toward Napier if UF struggles to produce points or excitement. The Gators average just 11 points in three losses, the fewest among Power Four teams against FBS competition, and are last in the SEC with just 13 plays 20 yards or longer.
“Starting fast is extremely important,” Napier said. “In football, the analytics will tell you that. Certainly at home, there’s energy that comes from starting fast.”
Quarterback DJ Lagway aims to bounce back after a bye week and energize Napier’s attack.
The struggling sophomore is coming off a 61-yard game during a 26-7 loss at Miami and has just two touchdowns and six interceptions during his team’s three-game skid. But Napier and Lagway’s teammates said he is recently performing more like 2024, when he fearlessly attacked down the field and routinely generated explosive plays.
Injuries have limited the 20-year-old, who by all accounts is beyond shoulder and calf injuries that sidelined him.
“Today was probably his best day at practice since he started practicing,” Napier said Wednesday.
The Gators will need more than Lagway to raise his level of play. UF is a 6.5-point home underdog against a team expected to the contend for a national title.
Another loss would continue a lost season and likely expedite the end of Napier’s time in Gainesville.
“This group is highly motivated,” he said. “It means something to these guys to do their job for each other.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
