Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway expressed excitement and determination following his team’s decisive 27-16 victory over LSU on Saturday.
Lagway, who has taken the reins as Florida’s starting quarterback, emphasized his commitment to reshaping the culture of Florida football alongside head coach Billy Napier.
“That means a lot, man, you know, just being the second year in the offense, you know, is huge,” Lagway said. “You know, just having the guys around it, rally behind that and like, truly, like, we’re gonna change this. And that’s the whole vibe in the locker room, that we’re gonna change this place, and we’re gonna make it what it used to be.”
The win against LSU marked a significant moment for the Gators, who improved to 5-5 on the season. Lagway delivered a strong performance, throwing for 226 yards and a touchdown.
Napier and Lagway’s decisions proved crucial in securing the victory, as Florida capitalized on LSU’s struggles. The Tigers, now on a three-game losing streak, showed visible frustration on their sidelines.
For Napier, who has faced mounting criticism from fans after a 5-7 mark in 2023 and no winning seasons during his tenure, the victory provided a much-needed morale boost.
Once left for dead, the powers that be at Florida have all but assured Napier will be back in 2025.
The fan favorite Lagway went on to acknowledge the energy at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the team’s overall improvement.
“My kind of response to that is just like we got the best fan base in the country,” Lagway said. “We got coaches that care and they’re going to develop you, make sure a better player and person on and off the field … I see it.”
Lagway’s rise to the starting quarterback role has breathed new life into Florida’s offense. After beginning the season as a backup, he has embraced his leadership role and is focused on more than just on-field performance.
The young quarterback highlighted his efforts to bring in top recruits and foster a supportive environment within the program.
While no one will throw the 2024 Gators a parade, the fact of the matter is Napier and company have at least steadied the ship. Having said that, Billy knows there’s a whole lot more work to do to get to where they ultimately want to go.
“A lot we can do better,” he said. “Hats off to the entire team. I thought we played complementary football. The defense was outstanding. And man, it was electric in here tonight.”
What a difference a few weeks – and more importantly, a few wins – can make.
The Gators need to win one of their final two games to secure bowl eligibility.
If we’re being realistic, that win most likely won’t be coming this Saturday against Lane Kiffin and the playoff-contending Ole Miss Rebels. (The same Lane Kiffin that the majority of Gators fans want(ed) to replace Napier.)
Assuming Florida does indeed lose this week, that will make their (likely) victory over the hated Florida State Seminoles in the regular season finale all that more sweeter.
The title of this story may be a tad optimistic … If you’re a Florida fan, how do YOU feel about Napier right now???
