Can Florida football turn down noise in system surrounding Billy Napier? A prediction for UF hosting Samford (2024)

Florida football opened the season with its first home-opening loss at The Swamp since 1989, turning up the heat on third-year coach Billy Napier.

The Florida Gators have lost six straight under Napier. UF will try to end that streak of futility Saturday night at The Swamp against FCS opponent Samford (7 p.m., SEC Network Plus).

It's the fourth meeting all-time between Florida and Samford. The last one was a wild affair with the Gators needing to score 10 touchdowns to hold off the Bulldogs, 70-52, on Nov. 13, 2021. Samford runs an up-tempo, pass-heavy offense under 10th-year coach Chris Hatcher, who is 57-44 with the Bulldogs.

Florida football has some familiarity with Samford

"Samford is one of the more competitive FCS programs in the country," Napier said. "He's done a good job of building a program. They've continued to invest there. He's got a good mix of players. He's got some portal players, and he's also got some good high school players."

There's some familiarity between the coaching staff as Florida tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator Russ Callaway worked under Hatcher at Samford from 2015-19 as a wide receivers and quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator.

Samford also gave Florida State a scare under Hatcher in 2018, taking a lead into the fourth quarter before falling 36-26 to the Seminoles in Tallahassee. Napier, a former quarterback at an FCS school (Furman), has respect for players and coaches who compete at the FCS level.

"They have a history of being competitive in these games," Napier said. "They played several of these throughout their time. I've got a ton of respect as a former FCS guy. These games are important to programs like Samford."

Here are five storylines to watch for Florida's game against the Bulldogs:

How much freedom will Florida football coach Billy Napier give QB DJ Lagway to run the offense?

The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Lagway appears poised to make his first career start as a true freshman with starting quarterback Graham Mertz in concussion protocol. Napier said he would tailor the game plan for Lagway "a brand of football that reflects his experience and his strengths." That could mean more reliance on the run from Lagway, a dual-threat quarterback who rushed for 2,196 yards and 29 TDs. Lagway also possesses a strong arm but has been prone to throw interceptions during fall camp and scrimmages. Napier said Lagway was "sharp" in practice on Wednesday.

Can the Florida football offense execute better on money downs?

Florida went a combined 2-for-11 on third and fourth down conversions last week against Miami. To start the week, Napier said he intended to evaluate all areas of the offense, including play-calling. Elijhah Badger was moved into a starting wide receiver spot, replacing Kahleil Jackson, while Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson is replacing Kamryn Waites as the starter at right tackle.

How will the Florida football handle stopping Samford dual-threat quarterback Quincy Crittendon?

The 5-11, 200-pound Crittendon had an impressive season debut for the Bulldogs, passing for 307 yards and two TDs for Samford while rushing for 90 yards and two TDs. Florida had issues stopping Miami dual-threat quarterback Cam Ward as he passed for 385 yards and three TDs, often extending plays with his legs, while rushing for 33 yards, including a long of 24 yards on a scramble. Florida will look to do a better job shadowing the quarterback on Saturday. “Making sure that we stay in our rush lanes, plaster, all that good stuff," Florida linebacker Grayson Howard said. "Their quarterback is mobile and they run with him as well, so this would be a great opportunity for everybody to do their job and everybody fly to the ball.”

Can the Florida football defense generate more of a pass rush?

Florida got just one sack and four quarterback hurries against an experienced and physical Miami offensive line. Samford surrendered just one sack against West Georgia and averaged 289.6 pounds across its starting offensive line. Expect the Gators to try to pressure the quarterback early and often to try to force Crittendon into mistakes.

Can Florida football build off its strong special teams showing last week against Miami?

Florida was crisp on special teams in its season debut against Miami. Junior kicker Trey Smack booted a 41-yard field goal in his lone attempt, while punter Jeremy Crawshaw averaged 47.6 yards on five attempts, with three punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Freshman running back Jadan Baugh returned a kickoff 35 yards and wide receiver Chimere Dike returned two punts for 28 yards, with a long of 17. New special teams analyst Joe Houston appears to have made an impact on the unit, as Houston and returning special teams analyst Chris Couch were allowed to coach on the field during fall camp as part of a new NCAA rule that now lets analysts work with players on the field. "All six phases of the kicking game, the film was really impressive," Napier said. "Probably the best I've been around as a head coach, to be quite honest."

Prediction

Florida 41, Samford 7: The Gators will establish the run early and the defense will perform better in a much-needed win against Samford. It won't be an explosive offensive game, but it will take the heat off Napier for at least one more week before the SEC opener against Texas A&M.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football gets chance to get back on track when it faces Samford at The Swamp