GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Billy Napier entered the bye week seeking a spark plus some answers for the 1-3 Gators and a floundering offense.
Napier witnessed a sign of hope from quarterback DJ Lagway, who aimed to set aside an abysmal September and spur an October turnaround starting with Saturday’s visit from No. 9 Texas (3-1, 0-0 SEC).
“I see the look in 2’s eye — that’s important,” Napier said Monday. “Ultimately, we’re trying to do our best for him in terms of creating an environment where he can continue to get back in his rhythm. That’s the most important thing right now.”
During three practices last week, the struggling sophomore and one-time Heisman hopeful pushed to regain his form and confidence during 11-on-11 drills against the team’s starting defense, which has carried the Gators all season.
Having missed spring practices and both fall camp scrimmages because of injuries, Lagway welcomed the challenge and chance to improve.
“This is my first real week of just good-on-good reps the whole practice,” he said Monday. “So it was just great to get out there and compete against the first-team defense that has been playing really well.”
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is sacked by Miami’s Jakobe Thomas during the Gators’ 26-7 Sept. 20 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Napier’s attack needs to do its part or he’ll soon be out of a job.
Florida ranks last among Power Four schools with an average of 11 points against FBS competition.
Lagway’s struggles, highlighted by a five-interception night at LSU and 61 passing yards at Miami, have been most surprising. A breakout 2024 season positioned him to become a star, yet he has just two touchdowns in three FBS games and averages a meager 5.4 yards per attempt, down from 8.7 against FBS foes last season.
The 20-year-old said he spent last week “working on my pocket movement, keeping my base, finishing through throws,” while adding, “Something where the practice and the reps come in place.”
The long-awaited return of true freshman receiver Dallas Wilson could also help the Gators’ passing game get in gear.
The 6-foot-3, 216-pound Tampa native possesses the physical stature and ball skills to become Lagway’s No. 1 option. During the Orange and Blue spring game April 12, Wilson caught 10 passes for 195 yards, both school records, and touchdowns of 20 and 19 yards.
“Everyday I get to throw to him is a fun day,” Lagway said. ” Just having him out there is going to be just amazing for us. His ability to go deep, his ability to make plays underneath, being able to make miraculous plays with the ball in his hand.”
Florida might need a miracle to survive a remaining schedule featuring six ranked teams among eight opponents.
But All-American center Jake Slaughter said better execution and fewer mistakes would have given the Gators a chance in losses to USF, LSU and Miami. Monday, the fifth-year senior recalled an illegal-procedure penalty he committed during his team’s 26-7 loss Sept. 20 at Miami that turned third-and-2 into third-and-7.
“That’s been a killer for us,” he said.
Coach Billy Napier’s Florida offense with QB DJ Lagway had a real rough time Saturday night at LSU. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Facing a Texas defense allowing a SEC-leading 3.58 yards per play, the Gators’ attack will have to find itself quickly after scoring just one touchdown in each of UF’s three losses.
Lagway said he senses a turnaround on the horizon.
“I feel like every single week I get better and better,” he said. “Eventually it is going to pop, and when it pops, it is going to be hard to stop. I will tell you that right now.”
Slaughter hopes his quarterback is right as frustration continues to build.
“We have an itch to scratch on offense,” he said.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
