24.2 Florida vs Samford Full Game

well it's been a trying week for Gator Nation after the Miami Hurricane sucked all of the pre-season positivity out of the swamp now Billy Napier and Florida will try to regroup and do something they haven't done in almost 11 months and that's whenn a football game tonight they host the Bulldogs of sford hi again everybody Welcome to Gainesville alongside my partner Steve adio I'm Kay Mafi it's great to have you with us good to see you back here in the swamp buddy good to be back um boy it's been an emotional Tempest here the last six days or so and a lot of noise surrounding this football team right now well they opened the season with high expectation in year three of the Billy Napier era it didn't go so well they ran into a really good Miami football team with a really good quarterback now they've got to block their ears go back to work improve get better come out tonight be dynamic be explosive and get a little bit better there's a lot of football left to play yeah no doubt well not only did they lose their sixth game in a row going back to last year they lost their starting quarterback Graham mer he suffer a concussion late in the third quarter last week did not practice and he's going to be out tonight he's expected back next week for the Texas A&M game so what does that mean well we're going to see the blue chipper tonight true freshman from Texas DJ lagway look at the numbers he put up in high school he is going to make his first career start and here's something you don't see every day coach a a true freshman commanding and controlling the emotion of the team look at how he has got everybody's ear pregame that's what you call the it Factor the be able the ability to drive the football program and that's what we need to see tonight out of DJ it's an important important night for that meanwhile on the other side there is Chris Hatcher in his 10th year as head coach of the Samford Bulldogs his team coming off a 38-29 loss at West Georgia last week said it wasn't a good showing knows it's going to be tough here tonight Samford won the toss and they want the football [Music] first this is Trey smack hand over and kick and it's going to sail through the end zone and the Bulldogs will start at the 25 yd line Quincy critton he is going to be the key to a good showing for Samford tonight dual threat quick feed he's a junior in his fourth year at Samford but this is only his third career start coach he's a young player but he's a dynamic player and I can't wait to watch him here tonight he's got great ability leg strength good arm strength speed change the direction should be exciting he's going to stand four receivers out on the first down and it's Micah Kelly who's going to get the first touch and he'll plow ahead across the 30 to the 33 yd line pup Howard the transfer from South Carolina gets in on the first tackle he's number 10 in Blue uh this is a defense that's a little bit nicked up we'll talk more about that in a moment second down of two critt in pump fake now he's forced out of the pocket throwing on the un Nails DJ Rus in stride rius The Talented Alabama transfer and that's going to be a first down as this Samford offense wants to go with Tempo if they can that's what the mobility of that quarterback can do for you to move the chains big the hand off to Kelly it's rius again and he's going to get across the 40 and now we're going to see if he is down the ball came loose it looked like he was down it looked like he was down the ground can't cause a fumble I I believe that this will be retained here by sford getting it for Florida was Aaron Gates the nickel back I don't know and now now you look at it again coach and maybe Jason Marshall knocked that loose Florida thinks they've got it on the field is that the run the tip of that ball was dropping so they're going to take another look this may be overturned Jason Marshall number three appears to jar that ball loose before ri's knee hit the turf that's what it looks like right now looks like the ball was loose it looks like he's dropping the point of the ball right there the ball's out that's going to be a fumble yeah sford had a a really good drive going there I like what they were doing on offense they were mixing it up getting the ball on the pr perimeter they had play action fakes going and uh it's a shame if if they lose the ball here one of the things they talked about was taking care of the football in this game they could ill afford to turn it over well they had two bad turnovers last week including an Endzone interception that led to that loss at West Georgia Chris Hatcher said just bad mistakes at bad times they had the lead in the third quarter but fizzled in the fourth because of too many mistakes and here is one right out of the gate it would appear Aaron Gates red shirt freshman on Morland Georgia appears to have recovered it well yeah that's knocked out no doubt we'll see what the verdict is good play right there that's why you got to carry that ball high and tight and keep your wrist above your elbow for that very reason keep it tight to your body it gets loose someone gets a hand in there and they can knock it right out this is exactly what Florida needs we talked about how many players are out they're missing three starters in the secondary also Bryce Thorton and slackman and nose tackle out but they may have caused a turnover after review video evidence shows it was a fumble it was recovered by the defense will be FL his ball first from the 44 yine this is a great start for DJ as the Young quarterback to have the first possession on the plus side of the 50 right now gives you great confidence great field position be interesting to see if Florida takes a shot here right now on first down first true freshman to start a game at Florida since Trion Harris in 2014 made his debut in the fourth quarter last week led a nine-play touchdown drive we'll see what he does here as he takes the first snap from scrimmage Montell Johnson will be in the back field with him in the pistol formation Trey Wilson goes in motion and it will be a give to Johnson and what do you expect here early from this Florida offense to make lagway as comfortable as they can get him I think you saw it right there they want to establish the Run game that's usually a take the shot scenario but they handed it off now legu is going to check the play just ahead of a second and nine big hole for Johnson great spin move at the 35 yd line dragged down from behind by Xavier lener and mandrel Johnson one of the bright spots last week Coach and he's got Florida knocking on the door here early just what the doctor ordered right now you know a big explosive run put him inside the 30 the under 71 ydd touchdown run last week had 106 of the team's 139 rushing yards that one went for 16 Florida trying to capitalize on the Samford turnover and here is lagway a great dual threat yeah they came right back at that with a read Zone option where he had the ability to hand the ball off or pull it based on the defensive end he pulled it got into the perimeter they got him by the shoelaces he's an athletic real athletic looking young man had four carries for 208 yards last week Sanford knows that they got a lot on their plate with trying to contain him he's a much different quarterback from a skill St standpoint than Graham Merz bouncing it out here is Johnson not much room stretched to the perimeter by Cameron Smith and Noah Martin who are your dudes tonight coach I mean the dudes are Eugene Trey Wilson and Montrell Johnson a legitimate big play back and a big play wide receiver those both of those young men have got to be the central focus of being explosive Playmakers Trey Wilson team High seven catches for 50 yards last week Tryon web out of the back field will line up as a receiver empty backfield flagway throws and he's right on target to his tight end that's caught by Hayden Hansen the red shirt sophore gain of six so here's a fourth down and short coach and no signs of the field goal unit no they got to go for this you know you got to say hey we're Florida we're going to go get a yard I really like what they did on the third down call they ran a little quick game it's called a spacing route where everyone spaces out it's a quick pass it's out of his hands it's a conf throw and you you love that for DJ they're going to burst out of the Huddle so they don't unwind their formation too quick Tron web is going to take the direct snap and he's going to get hit in the back field and goes straight ahead it's hard to tell looks like he might be short here they used a little jet motion to slow down the linebackers and influence him then they came downhill with the quarterback DJ yeah didn't get it CJ Douglas the free safety a guy that Samford is very high on makes the hit and it's a turnover on Downs so the Gators trying to get back in the good graces of some of the fans in Gator Nation can't convert on fourth down deep in Sanford territory their sideline offense can't take advantage of good field position after the Samford turnover and the Bulldogs go back to work with Rus stretching it to the sideline he's going to pick up about six you know that offensive line coach for Florida just didn't create enough push up front on that fourth down play well there's an error in the blocking scheme right there the safety came into the box and they needed the zone to him and he got in the back field and penetrated there's EJ Mason he's going to get four and that's going to be a first down for the Bulldogs Billy Napier this week said I I need to see that o line start playing with some attitude this week they have got to establish the line of scrimmage in this game that line of scrimmage is got to go the other way and it didn't happen now we got to come back and that's got to happen Damonte Withers spoon in the back field critt and throwing to him on the run and he's out to the 32 yd line and Spilled there after a short gain RJ moton gets over the Michigan transfer second year at Florida to cut him down second down and eight Sanford's working the the perimeter right now trying to get them to run sideways with reverses and Sprint outs there's air R attack going back to the outside Brendan Jenkins co- freshman of the year in the socon last year they want to get the ball in number 12's hands as much as possible tonight here comes a third down in manageable yes a great down in distance right now uh be interesting to see if sford decides to run downhill for this yard and a half will they use the quarterback here they will not they're going to go inside and pick it up that way with wither spoon he tries to hurdle a tackler and gets across the Midfield line second year with the Bulldogs Witherspoon the Murray State transfer and that's a gash play really well blocked by samford's front they've got a veteran offensive line and they leaned on it right [Applause] here you got a Miss tackle in the back end by the safety but the front of sford blocked that play really well it was a really good burst by the tailb well done first down get to the plus positive side of the 50 back to Witherspoon that's one of the misconceptions coach about the air raid and Chris Hatcher uh one of the innovators of the Air Raid Offense they do run the football quite a bit they certainly do the air raid is about a conceptualized passing game a small tight passing game it doesn't mean they don't run it cron five for five throwing the ball he'll go back to the air that one was tipped at the line incomplete Aaron Gates got a hand on it he's been active here in the first quarter and now it's going to be third down and eight very impressed with their their attack plan by Stamford the way that they're trying to move the ball spread it out and then in the throw game you saw that was a quick pass no opportunity to be able to get the quarterback hit now they've they got a long down and distance here be a great opportunity for a screen or for a draw or they may have to help the tackles in protection here with the running back Crittenden heat it up he's Elusive and he's going to step out picking up the first down Quincy critton had a team High 90 yds on the ground a couple of rushing touchdowns as well as the two passing TDS last week I mean that's what happens when you can run the protection breaks down and he's able to move the chains and get a first down with his feet he's a very good athlete he looks like he has a great command to this game right now this will be the ninth play of the drive high snap Britton recovers and he's just going to lay down now Cooper Frasier the starting center started the game against Florida here in 2021 and he almost sent this one over the helmet of critton you know Cooper Fraser is one of their better linemen one of their most experienced linemen up front and that's uh you don't want to see a bad snap it happens every once in a while when you have a really big nose on you and that's what he had there right now so he'll get that back under control Florida's got to got to keep Quincy in the pocket Florida cannot let him Escape that pocket on these passing [Applause] Downs second down and 18 play fake quick throw incomplete that was intended for rius we talked about those injuries for the Florida defense under executive head coach and D coordinator Ron Roberts uh we talked to Ron yesterday he said yeah it's like a mash unit look at all these players out several starters including ASA Turner who is unlikely to be back even next week it's going to create a toll on them if sford keeps getting first downs they you know they get tired off back foot Quincy Kon gets it to Ian cousin and he's got a first down and more but a penalty flag is down cing the transfer from kennes Saw State their fastest player he showed the wheels there but there's a marker down yeah it was a great play the offense number 58y penal will be forced bot the foul the play of third down that's a hold on Chris Noble the left guard [Applause] yeah I don't know I don't know about that right there I mean he had his hands inside the framework he pushed him at the end um little bit right there he's but he's got him inside the breastplate he doesn't have his hands around his back right there you know I I I I think sometimes those are a little ticky tacky right there but that's a critical mistake and a critical penalty ball was inside the 20 I believe so now a third and 18 pop pass EJ Mason is going to be sliced down by George gums the transfer from Northern Illinois and he might be their most disruptive player from the linebacking spot you know I don't yeah I don't really love this call you're talking about a third and long situation the ends are going to be in jet techniques coming up the field and they're trying to run a Jet Sweep around the end I don't know if that's the down and distance for that call right there and he blew it up in the back field will Thorley coming out to punt the Australian standing at samford's 35 yd line back to return is Jim DK the senior Wisconsin transfer good Punt and fair catch called for inside the 15 yd line at the 14 yd line so DJ lagway in his first career start ready to go back on the field in a scoreless [Music] game a sense of urgency surrounding this Florida Gator football program three straight losing Seasons like time they finished under 504 straight Seasons 35 through 38 it's been a long time last week against Miami 24-point loss second largest season opening loss in program History Billy Napier says I'm embarrassed to be quite honest that's how I feel that's how our kids feel there's no excuse let's just keep our mouths shut and show what we can do well that's that's what it is you know when you come to Florida you sign up for a fan base that's going to be uh very demanding started at the 43 of Samford on their first series after the turn turnover deep in their own territory this time but a good run there by Johnson on first down Johnson has led the gator in rushing each of the last two years said it the first time Florida had the ball he looked really good week one he really did you know he's an explosive player and you're seeing signs of that right now and I I give Billy credit right now he's trying to hang in there with his Run game and get it going right now BYU fakes the toss to Johnson he's going to go up top showing off that arm he's got a man Elijah [Applause] Badger avoiding tackler stand on his feet and down to the three yd line 77 yds for the transfer from Arizona [Applause] State great great play action here takes a shot down the field hits an explosive play right now and flipped the field that's what had to happen they flipped the field what a great ball thrown by DJ what a confidence building throw that is we saw his confidence pregame the way he had command of the team how about that confident throw I'm telling you right now his his heart is beating in his chest and he's saying I got this right now I got it and Florida play clock winding down they're going to call a timeout inside the Red Zone Elijah Badger at three catches last week for 43 yds in his gator debut and this is the big play that you know Florida fans wanted to see more of in week one and they did not well listen what's beautiful is they set the throw up by running the football and then they faked the toss sweep and then they came off of it with the playaction shot there it is beautiful play action fake by DJ look at this football gave him air let him run underneath it and let the uh skilled athlet do what he does [Music] best how important was it for him to take first team reps this week you need to know that you're the guy and let that team start to absorb your personality and own you and that's what he did this week by starting and taking all the refs was breed confidence and now lague will line up as a receiver with Johnson sent to take the direct snap monell Johnson in the wild catch gets down to the one so we've seen this a couple of times first time Florida did it they did it on fourth down with Tryon web and came up short and this time Johnson stopped a yard shy of the goal line and a little phased by that it'll bring up second down and goal he hit his shoulder hard on that into the turf trips to the boundary inside hand off and there's Johnson with the touchdown [Applause] oh Jackson a guy who followed Billy naier from Louisiana he wants this to be successful for his head coach and he gets the first score of the night for Florida really good Push by the offensive line up front I love that drive for the Gators you know they ran the ball they set up the play action they flipped the field they scored a touchdown that's what they had to do because Sanford had a little bit of the momentum and now they just shifted it just like that try SM with the extra point and it's seven to nothing Badger a transfer from Arizona State on the receiving end of this beautiful 77 yd pass from the rookie setting up the first score of the night for the [Applause] Gators Florida Gator only had 261 yards of offense last week Billy nap you're you know telling you and I this week yeah you know I'm calling the plays I admit the offense lacked a lot last week only ran 54 plays but you know right now 10 plays 112 yds even though they didn't convert on that fourth down play and take advantage of short field situation on the first drive that looked pretty good especially with a true freshman at the controls they're establishing their identity right now this is the identity they want to have run it play action shot it and they're doing it fa CAU and so sford will have it again at the 25 yd line there's the lagway family in town from Texas the guy in the white hat there on the right side of your screen that is Dad Derek lagway and he played some college football back in the day too with the Bor bears and you know that family is very proud of young DJ they should be he actually looks like he has a few snaps left in him right now huh yeah better 3 minutes to go here opening quarter sford has moved the ball pretty well against this beat up defense so far just nothing to show for it yet cousin he talked about his speed he had a plate that was explosive in the last series brought back because of a penalty gets five here pup Howard escorting him to the sideline pup is a heck of a player he's their Green Dot player out there uh today and uh he's a guy they count on to be able to make plays on that defense and be the quarterback of that defense and Green Dot meaning they've got the inh helmet communication yes sir and of course that new new new setup for this season Samford does not have that tonight here's Quincy Crittendon the quarterback that's another Samford first down in that dual threat ability rearing its head that's a 6-y pickup well gave is a read play and he had the ability to pull the ball on the crashing end and keep it and run around the corner [Applause] Quincy critton does not have that inh helmet communication Sanford quite frankly can't afford it that's what Chris hatri told us for a FCS program it's across the 40 for Preston bird meanwhile DJ lagway he's got that in his helmet that is a big benefit for Billy Napier tonight to be able to talk to his rookie quarterback with that technology make sure he's calm make sure he has the right call talk to him guide him it's it's a huge advantage second down at five plenty of time and now running out of it and critton a Savvy veteran getting rid of him you saw what they did as they ran quick game the offensive line chopped Florida's pass rushers got him on the ground the is third [Applause] down the problem and and the issue you have in the quick game is the ball's got to be out and they were covered there was nowhere to throw it so he had to throw that ball away already one sack for Florida they had just one last week against Miami they really struggled to keep cam ward in the pocket and seeing the air rate offense for the second week in a row cron lost it he scrambles and it looks like he recovered it now that is the second time that Samford is fumbled this time they're able to get it back it's a loss of four and it's fourth down he trying to run a qu back draw and he lost the handle on the ball here you know that that that that can't happen he rode that ball with the running back too long and and he lost the handle on the ball he went to pull it and he couldn't get it back out Tyre sap when Florida's only sack last week was in the back field to disrupt things here comes will Thorley to punt it away second punt for Sanford to him rugby style kick Chim DK calling for the fair catch we have 23 seconds to go here in the first quarter samford's got to take care of this football the ball's on the ground too much right now there's you know you you can't come into the swamp and play a team like the Gators and and have a loose ball it's not going to happen boy lagway just does not look like an 18-year-old you know he's not a loud person by Nature the coaching staff will tell you that but they have noticed his personality come alive this week he's been much more vocal great players do that and that's what you're looking for right now you know we don't know yet how great he's going to be he has a great past but what you're seeing is him rise to the occasion another true freshman in the ball game number 13 Jaden B the running back who they are really high on because of his strength his running ability his ability to catch the football out of the back field that run Garner seven well he's the big back he's got great size and you what he did right now is his yards after uh uh contact his Yak yards and he pushed that thing up for 7 and 1/2 yards that's going to be the end of the first quarter that is the end of the first quarter sford turnover an impressive quick Gator touchdown Drive couple of the highlights from the first 15 minutes 7 nothing Gators here in the SW [Music] [Applause] ready to start the second quarter here in Gainesville Steve Dai of Kay Mai 7 nothing Florida there's DJ lagway true freshman first career start Graham Merz out with a concussion and Jaden B again man as he got burst not only size but great Quicks he saw that daylight and shot through it like a bullet that's a 14 yd pickup that's a big man right there put his foot in the ground on a wide Zone play and bring it to the back side on a on an upcut was very very impressive and as he gets on the second level he's going to impose his size on the smaller players as sford it's going to wear him down offensive coordinator Russ callow calls him a freak they fake it to him here lagway wants to go deep again he's got deep DK Tim dek down to the 5 yd line the Wisconsin transfer 44 yds and another big pass play from lagway so they're setting it up with the Run game right there they fake the Run throw a play action pass what a beautiful touch on that crossing crossing route that DJ threw and we put air under and it landed perfect I'm very very impressed with his poisonous composure three for three throwing the football 127 yds for lag back to the ground and ball comes out it's turned over in the end zone recovered by Sanford midnight Steward and it'll be a Touchback Samford will take over ball security you got to take care of the ball that was just popped loose I really thought on that play he had a um I think he missed the cut initially it should have Ball but it should have been inside The Tackle Box and it came outside now Noah Martin the middle linebacker pre-season FCS All-American guy who's always around the ball Jarred that ball out and midnight Steward the free safety was there to recover for the Bulldogs well Noah Martin's their best player on defense and uh big time players make big time plays they had he on the goal line he stepped up and he and he got the ball spit out each team with a turnover [Applause] now this is wither spoon on first down that's just a punch to the gut for these Florida Gators to these Florida fans especially when things have been going all in all exceptionally well for lagwa well his teammates got to help him now he's playing really really well they got to take care of the football here that's that that Ball's got to go in the end zone for the Gators Britton looking for room on the right side and there's none there LJ McCrae big number 17 the true freshman from Daytona Florida that was a preall quarterback run it's called a q counter and they tried to run that into the boundary and uh Gator did a great job on defense of eating up the gaps there was nowhere to go Florida's defense done a pretty good job so far on third down seven new starters on this Gator defense from a season ago it's critton quarterback run all the way and he's going to be close it's going to depend on the spot and they're going to move the sticks first down for Samford as Crittenden needed seven he got eight ran a QB draw it's a good call in that situation you're down backed up a little bit on the minus side of the field on a on a third and longer call what does he do he he runs a q draw and uses his legs and now we got the chains moving first down it shouldn't be a shock to Florida that Quincy is going to be carrying that ball like that you know you got to you know that's coming this is a Samford team that wants to shorten the game we can see that they're taking their time on this snap it's interesting though they started the game in fast tempo and they got the gator running fall forward it will be reset it's first down so now it'll be interesting that they slow it down a little bit and change their Tempo let's let's watch the different tempos and how it plays out here first down is of course key to staying on schedule for these Bulldogs heavy underdogs tonight gritton on first down is going to take a loss The Edge rusher Justice Boone trying to make amends of course took that costly roughing the passer penalty on the opening drive last week led to a Miami touchdown you know all week he's been wearing that around he wants to play well tonight no doubt and he did a really great job they brought a pressure that time from the field and they plused the numbers on Samford so they were one down that's why that player was unblocked in the hole like that that is the fifth tackle for loss for Florida tonight again taking that play clock well inside a five second down and long on cron he's going to check it down to Damonte Witherspoon gets back to the original line of scrimmage and that's it RJ moton in there really great open field Tackle by moton a lot of space out there and he put him down that was a heck of a defensive play put him in another third and long sford doesn't want to be in these third and Longs these are loser downs and matched up against a a superior opponent you got to stay on schedule so the off schedule here their head coach Chris Hatcher calls the plays in their s offense play clock down to two they get it off kittan rolls away now he's going to be enveloped ball came loose again and Samford again recovers there's TJ Cersei and Tyreek Sapp meeting at quarterback Cersei a guy they think has potential to be a very disruptive SEC Defensive end no doubt and that's what they need last week they didn't have a great pass rush they didn't have that edge pressure now they come back this week I'm I'm guessing in practice this week they emphasized that they worked at that now you're seeing evidence of that improving second sack tonight [Applause] Jim DK back at the floor at a 35 yd line to return this punt a good kick from Thorley and great special teams coverage by the Bulldogs as Florida will get it back inside their 30 yd line with 920 to go before half [Music] [Applause] oh e the gator licking their wounds after that week one loss to Miami but winning cures everything won't be easy though after tonight look at this maybe the toughest schedule in the country some people say it is seven of the last 10 games against top 25 opponents they just got to focus on one game at a time right now and just keep getting better and improving Mell Johnson in the backfield lagway going down the seam and he's got in the hands of Hayden Hansen the tight end Hansen the red shirt sophomore hooking up with his fellow Texan that's a gain of 40 I tell you what lagway has not thrown an incompletion yet Coach that's a amazing for a young player he's got great touch on the ball playing with a lot of poise now penalty marker it's going to be a false start false start on the offense not all 11 players were set for one second that's a 5yd penalty it remains first down outstanding protection by the offensive line so he can stand back there with great vision playing up on his toes was putting a great arc on that ball started with the protection and a great job by the quarterback Jaden Mosley is the man down for Samford you know you talk about that old offensive line for Florida under the microscope tonight Billy Napier put some guys on notice moves some guys around the competition impr practice was opened up again this week for starting jobs but all in all they've done a pretty good job Protec ing lagway when he's had to throw they have and I think that's a byproduct of they're playing better and also think because the Run game is more efficient you know it's it's setting up these play action throws which are better for DJ lagway uh for completion Jaden Mosley a guy who's always around the ball the weak side linebacker out of mobile 10 tackles in a sack last week for the Bulldogs a guy they can ill afford to lose [Music] you know Clay you get down here inside the 30 close to the Red Zone you you can't have these motion penalties not getting lined up these are the no Talent issues they don't take Talent it's discipline and what happens is it puts you off schedule they've got to eliminate that now they've got to get down in this Red Zone be efficient and score a touchdown yeah Florida only took two penalties week one against Miami but they were very costly penalties two defensive penalties led to hurricanes touchdowns five first down talked a lot about discipline this week first and 15 Johnson sto short of the 30 CJ Douglas Merz is going to be back next week we talked about Graham Merz kind of serving as a extra assistant coach in a lot of ways this week but I think given what we're seeing right now and going back to last week they are going to use lagway even when Merz is back to 100% Health that's what it sounds like and based on the play that I'm seeing here that's that's a prudent decision Johnson lines up to the near side as a receiver he's going to get it on the receiver's screen a little bubble to the near side that's gain of four you know a couple of plays ago the safety came out of the back end and it was blocked really well and he came in made that play at the line of scrimmage it's going to set him up for another play action shot not right now not on third down of course but we're going to see that play action coming back at Sanford here if they get a first down Florida was one for nine last week on third down they started poorly never recovered trying to convert their first third down tonight they're 0 for one DJ has time nice catch Elijah badger tip toone along that sideline Spun Out of Bounds at about the six it's a gain of 22 first down and goal to go that may have been one of the more impressive plays of the night and I'm going to tell you why DJ lagway took a shot the left guard got beat in protection and he stood in there and he delivered a strike for that first down that was very very impressive and that shows the kind of physical toughness he has injury timeout back at the moment sure doesn't look it looks like a Savvy veteran tonight DJ lagway 193 through the area 6 for six and he is hooked up with Elijah Badger a couple of times for 99 yds this one for 22 set up first down and goal to go he reminded me of TBO stepping right in the teeth of that thing and delivering that strike and those are the intangibles I really love to see in a quarterback Jamal Thompson the defensive tackle for Samford who forced that last injury timeout was able to get up off the turf and get to the sideline under his own power Trey Wilson in motion they're going to give the hand off to Johnson and he's going to s in from Seven yds out second touchdown for Montrell Johnson he bounces this thing outside it's an inside Zone play and the offensive line had great push he got in space and beat the DB one-on-one in for the score nice drive uh for the forward of Gator here showed a lot of different things in that drive and the quarterback once again DJ lagway playing with great composure and great Poise and Trey smack makes it 14 to nothing Gator looking for their first win since October 14th of last year and they've got a two touchdown cushion now five plays 70 yards and 218 and Johnson has a two touchdown night Billy nap you're dealing with a lot of outside noise this week definitely likes his team's talent and and its character but the execution last week he said was unacceptable and he also said an early season loss coach can be a blessing if you don't Wast it it can it can shake uh your team up in a positive way I think Billy really felt like he needed to get the identity of his team especially his offense established and I think we're seeing that tonight and that's a really big positive how hard is it to keep that outside noise to a gentle Roar you know because especially with social media now and the kids the way that they use it how do you tune it out completely it's really hard at a place like Florida especially it's very very hard the kids are hearing it from their parents they're hearing it from their friends they're hearing it in the classroom the coaches are hearing it everywhere you know you just have to say okay we just got to Bear Down on the things that we can control control the controllables and every day go out and give maximal effort and let's establish our football program and our identity and I think he's doing that to his credit this will be possession number five for Samford they fumbled on the opening Series have had to punt three times critton looked right came back left and that's going to land incomplete Shamar James you talked about him at the top of the broadcast Steve he's their stud linebacker he's the best player on the defense uh they they say he is all ball he's got an unbelievable work ethic a great intensity and he's their best tackler so that's their go-to guy right there yeah Florida's first takeaway of the Year intercepted cam Ward last week his first career interception critton to 9 of 13 34 yds passing look at a throw here on second and 10 slap route well covered and again incomplete he wanted Jenkins but Jenkins was bookended there in man coverage they're playing tight man and they're all over those quick Slants right now I mean obviously they prepared for that great great coverage there tight back in a third and long situation third and 10 and these are really tough Downs you know you hate to drop back here without any extra help for the offensive line they've got a tight end to the left they can put the tail back to the right that's what they're well they're chipping and a strike to Rus from Phoenix City Alabama give him 14 and a first down that was Max protection they slid the line one way and put the tight end and back the other way that they they blocked with seven right here Max protect and he threw a good [Applause] strike Florida's got to do a better there job there there's too much space that was too easy that's the longest pass play of the night Quincy critton in these bulldogs as Micah Kelly is back in the back field to the right of critton he's going to get it he's going to be cut down from behind by Tyreek sap so Florida brought another field pressure that time and they came off the edge and so they tracked that back down on that and uh you see it coming from the field here the defensive end just tracked down the back again prep this week for the Florida defense very similar to how they had to prep for Miami an air raid look against the mobile [Applause] quarterback that's cousin throwing a quick touch they're not putting this quarterback you know if they drop back they they're going to Max protect otherwise they're going to throw a quick touch like that problem is is they're off schedule it's third and seven yeah these are not the down and distances that Chris Hatcher said would lead them to success first and second down we're going to be critical tonight for Samford to hang around in this ball game this is a very important series for Samford here with under 5 minutes to go before halftime they need to get on the board right now they can ill afford to get Florida the ball with an opportunity to go down the field and get a three-score game cron nowhere to go great Pursuit George GES disruptive in the back fi cam Jackson was there to boot they're running a quarterback counter here and there's penetration inside and just uh nowhere to go with that for for Quincy number five number 32 but you can see they're running the football on Third and 10 you know it's uh they're trying to keep the quarterback out of these drop back moments thought they could catch the defense jetting up the field will Thorley has been busy tonight the punter Jim DK is going to call for the fair Catch just inside the 20 all right let's flash back a few years to when these teams last got together November 13th of 21 and it was a good showing for Samford the FCS team coming in and making it very difficult on the hometown Gator emry Jones the let a rally from a 14-point deficit had career highs 464 passing and six touchdowns leading to four unanswered scores in a 70- 52 ball game second highest scoring game in Florida history highest scoring game in the history of this stadium and the Gators knew that Samford would come in here with several players who played in that game ready to go again so we're not taking him likely no you can't this is a good football program Samford has capability to hurt you Johnson trying to pick his way after getting hit in the backfield no game Johnson with a couple of touchdowns in this game good to see Montell Johnson having the good start to the season Steve that he has had he had his knee scoped in August and missed most at the fall Camp you see in the last two weeks no signs of that I mean he looks great looks healthy looks fast and explosive Tron Webb is going to check in for Johnson they fake the reverse and lway punishing the defender CJ Douglas and Gavin Morris as he got to the edge picks up three yards but I tell you what lague just showing that he is not afraid of contact no this is a a fake reverse QB sweep right here and he takes a shot by the safety right there um he's got some toughness he can run and he's got some toughness pass for over 8,000 yds 100 career touchdowns at Willis High School just north of Houston has a ton of family here tonight third down and long he's being chased he's in trouble he escapes stays on his feet gets back the line of scrimmage and then maybe a yard more and that's it so it'll be fourth down and now lagway a little slow to get up9 and now the official you know looking like he wants to make sure that lague is okay they want to escort him off he took quite a shot there and he got you know looks like he you know he's he's a little a little uh dizzy here we already got one quarterback coach in concussion protocol that's Graham Merz that's a tough hit to take right there he got himself out of the pocket and tried to get back in that's a that's a helmet shot now that's a that looks like a helmet to helmet shot that's what they're trying to avoid here in college football wonder if they're going to call that down and take another look at that now they're going to play so now Florida will have to punt Jeremy kosha on for the first time 50-year senior from Australia and that's going to take us to our two-minute [Music] timeout so DJ lagway is family hoping that he's going to be able to continue after taking that shot he's had a couple of touchdown drives he's LED here tonight way after that helmet to helmet hit it appears he's going to be okay the officials telling us that it wasn't the crown of the helmet from Malik gther so that's why they didn't consider targeting there right he looks like a defenseless player right there at that point but that's uh tough shot he took croshaw gets it away good punt inside the 15 Spinning away Jaylen B and good coverage it's going to be a long field for the Bulldogs a 61 yd punt for croshaw who's been punting for Florida since the 2020 coton B at the 10 yd line and he stepped out right there did Bon at the 10 yd line Sanford's got the long field percentages of putting together a 90 playay Drive are against you and that's what they need here right now they got a minute 48 to go 90 Quincy critton just his third career start here tonight in a tough place to do it the swamp LED Samford to an overtime win over South Eastern Louisiana in the FCS playoffs a couple of years ago when Michael hirers the starting quarterback was hurt he's going to toss it out to wither spoon and stretch to the edge Jason Marshall was there so is DJ Douglas for Florida no game you don't see a lot of playaction pass from sford so these safeties now they're starting to roll for Florida they're rolling downhill fast these DBS are filling fast and Miami racked up 529 yards last week this defense was certainly embarrassed by its play wanted to come out strong here tonight so far no points on the board for the Bulldogs they're playing very very physically play action CR has a man and great adjustment by Brendan Jenkins to haul that in well there you go on Q they went to the play action and they were able to get a shot down the field and he had a great clean pocket cuz of the play Action jaem Jackson in coverage it's a 35 yd pickup 90 seconds before half Brit it under pass and it's incomplete Jordan Castell and Aaron Gates number 13 again being very disruptive here in the half for Florida well that was a triple option right he had the ability to hand it pull it and then if he pulled it he could then throw it and it was the little out of control it was an errant pass got to be careful with this football you've got decent field position here gates are the best cover guy in this Gator secondary got his hands on it second and 10 quick throw to the outside Jenkins maybe two yards and Shamar James was right there to wrap him up in a Timeout called for by Florida as they want a chance to get the ball back here before halftime that was a really good play on by the secondary he defeated the block of the receiver in the perimeter and made the play so yeah Florida is going to call a timeout here it's a minute 11 and uh they want another shot at this end zone no question about [Music] it this defense we talked about all of the play players that are out Nisa Turner starting safety Devin Moore share Denson and Ron Roberts has a short-handed unit tonight he was brought in from Auburn to help Shore up this defense allowed 41 points last week most ever by opponent in a Florida home opener and he wanted his guys to come out strong here tonight he would love to see his crew pitcher shut up third down and eight play fake criton feeling the pressure and he's going to be enveloped at the 40 yd line by Caleb Banks second year at Florida transfer from Louisville it's a loss of six and another timeout they just got overwhelmed up front here you can see the line getting pushed back bent over and he's running for his life and took a loss on that play third sack tonight by this Florida defense i' like to see if the Gators might come after this punt right now maybe go for a block here you know when we were talking to Billy Napier this week one of the things that he was extremely proud of was the way his special teams played against Miami yeah they they were outstanding against Miami and he thought that was the the best unit last week so you know decision here you go you try to block the punt and create a big play or you set up the return I think this is a good chance to go for a block right here be aggressive go after this thing right now this will be punt number five for will Thorley here tonight for Samford you know there have been some UPS there have been some Downs too here in this first half for Florida it hasn't all been wh and Roses but certainly there is an air of confidence especially when you think about the way the true freshman quarterback has played here in the first half he's about to get the ball again I think he's the Difference Maker and I think they're starting to impose their will on sford right now samford's you know outmanned and and you can see the wear and tear see if they come after Thorley send up the return DK calls for another fair catch 38 yd punt no return and in all DJ lagway despite that hard hit he took moments ago has been very impressive he's throws some great balls down the field deep balls and and and has a clean pocket can stand back there and his accuracy is outstanding right now and that all stems from the setup of the Run game leading to the play action passes and these are all play action passes right now that are creating the big pass explosives 193 yd passing tonight he hasn't thrown an incompletion he's used four different receivers interesting that he has not used Trey Wilson yet probably their most dynamic playmaker yeah you know they got to get him involved in the game there is number three going in motion keep it on the ground look out here comes Johnson right up the middle offensive line is really starting to wear down this front now that was well blocked with a lot of push you know one of the things with DJ on these throws you're seeing those are play action shots which puts him on one receiver he doesn't have to read the field no timeouts for Florida quickly gets it to boardingham I was boardingham the tight end that's a gain of nine they have to quickly get up to the line for a second down and one 38 seconds in C down go black way steps up and flip it to the outside out of bounds that'll stop the clock with 26 seconds to go they started out you know with a little Quick Pass with that spacing route again and gave him a nice easy throw he's smart to get rid of that ball so that was a smart incompletion as first of the night yes you know you're worried about the clock you can't stand back there all day and burn the clock but they've got to get this conversion right now on Third and one very least they'd like to maybe get into try SM field goal range Johnson he is going to get the first down with the second effort that was not a great read on that run by Johnson but his effort and his physicality got the first down they got to get on the ball here there is smack getting ready to be called upon perhaps and they'll spike it with 17 seconds to go smack hit a 41 yder last week this is a great learning experience for DJ right now he's got no timeouts he's trying to manage this drive with 17 seconds so they're in the two minutes what they work on but for a young guy right now there's a lot going on here and he's done a nice job with it got to get it down the field here because they probably got two plays flue to the outside that is caught boardingham quickly gets to the sideline they'll settle for six stopping the clock with 13 seconds to go probably like to see him get a little chunk here so they can get him in field goal range that was quick enough to probably still leave two plays but remember there's no timeouts here so no matter what they do if the ball's inbounds they're going to have to spike this thing legue with some pressure off the edge goes to boardingham again near the sideline and it's incomplete fourth down 8 seconds to go and so now rolling the field pass we'll see what Florida decides to do here I don't know what the range of their field goal kicker is what his comfort level is if they have a if they run something on the sideline quick and get out of bounds maybe they could still uh get a kickoff or they take a shot and we're going to get a timeout called by Samford that's a good timeout for sford make sure they they saw the formation make sure they're organized on [Applause] defense their first charge so Florida second with 8 seconds to go here in the half there's Trey smack coming off an excellent sophomore season was very solid his career long 54 yds so he's got a long leg but there's still there's still ways out getting within comfortable field goal range for [Music] smack interesting to see what they what their approach is going to be here right now like you said they just don't have a ton of time here a little bit in between they don't have any timeouts so they got to be careful here they need four yards to pick up the first down Y what would you do here would you uh just take a shot at the end zone or do you try to pick up that first down depends on how you feel about your kicker what his range is if he's got the range maybe you try to just get get a few more yards another four or five yards and and get within his range doesn't look like a shot at the endzone formation slow developing play and it's going to be incomplete that was Wilson targeted for the first time and Jaden Mosley separated him from the football and Samford will have it with two seconds left in the half so sford despite offensive struggles here in the first half of this game they're going to be in it going into the third quarter and Florida will start with the football in the third but sford hanging around they're hanging around the score is close but it feels like the Gators have control of this game game oh the last time Samford was here they scored 42 points in the first half that did not Happ but this time but Florida definitely getting a fight again from the Bulldogs of sford their opponent tonight from the FCS Florida without starting quarterback Graham Merz because of the concussion he suffered last week against Miami so that meant DJ lagway make his first career start tonight and after a half coach overall thoughts on the rookie quarterback I'm really impressed uh with his Poise I'm impressed with his toughness I'm impressed with his accuracy his athleticism this is got a young man who has a really bright future and I think these fans are going to embrace him Billy Napier head coach of Florida joining us on headset coach to First career start for DJ lagway the true freshman from Texas just your opinion on how he did in that first 30 minutes yeah no I think he was really clean uh for the most part he took what the defense gave him he pushed it down the field a couple times um you know only a handful of mistakes on his part but you know we had the turnover down in the goal gold Zone goal line area there be 21 to nothing they're moving in a little bit but I think our defense is settled in uh DJ took a shot there just ahead of half for any indications that he's going to be in trouble with that no he's fine yeah he's fine he got checked out he got cleared he's he was back in that last possession all right Billy we'll see you in the second half thank you all right guys thank you Billy Napier head coach of Florida as his Gators have a 14 to nothing lead here in week two in the [Music] swan at the half leading Stamford and the first career start for DJ lagway the national Player of the Year out of the state of Texas some story lines from your college football Saturday how about Thomas hammock's Northern Illinois team upsetting number five Notre Damon South Bend Texas with a great showing first year in the SEC they go into the big house beat Michigan Oklahoma State over Arkansas in two overtimes they had to come back to beat the Hawks and Old Miss there going to be climbing in the polls this week as they took care of Middle Tennessee easily 52-3 two touchdown lead for the Gators here in week two they got Texas A&M coming in here next week so they've got a half to tune up for the aies leading by [Music] 14 back here in Florida where the Gators have a two touchdown lead as we get ready for the third quarter alongside Steve adio former Boston College head coach one time assistant here in the swamp for Urban Meyer I'm clay mattii glad to have you along uh you know the Gators needed to get some things right this week especially with Texas A&M coming in here in a week uh what did you see in that first half well Billy said he wanted to establish the run I think they got that done they wanted to break in this Young quarterback who is a terrific talent and a talent for the future here in Florida I think on the negative side of things they left off 14 points they were in the red zone They didn't convert on a fourth and one and they also missed out an opportunity of fumbling into the end zone so there's some positives but we need to get more points on the board DJ lagway 8 for 11 really good first half yardage wise 209 yds had a couple of touchdown drives in his first career start [Applause] Florida had plans to use him earlier last week before the fourth quarter but they were playing catchup against the Miami Hurricane so those plans never came to fruition obviously he's thrown into the fire here this week and all indications are that he has a very bright future as Florida will start with the football here in the second half and this is returnable this is Jaden B strong run across the 30 yd line we can see why they like the true freshman Jaden bought of Atlanta yeah again a combination of size and speed and explosiveness you saw that there so he's another Bright Young player on this Gator roster 31 yds on that return and here comes lagway back on the field good to see that you know there was no ill effects from that hard H hit he took from Malik gther in the first half helmet to helmet that was a rough hit and uh you know he's a he's a tough guy he took a couple of shots here so he's got to you know take care of his body a little bit now here's Graham Merz already dealing with a concussion expected to be back next week for Florida monell Johnson a couple of touchdowns in the first half he starts in the back field but they're going to get it to Trey WI Wilson across Midfield out about the 47 yd line that's a run of 21 for Trey his first touch here tonight they ran a Jet Sweep with Trey and he's you can see a glimpse of his explosive speed he's one of the top Playmakers on this roster and they got him the ball they got to get him the ball more in the passing game and whether it be play action or drop back but they've got to get the ball to their top play Playmakers create explosives now Trey Wilson's bleeding from that right leg and he's looking over to the sideline but it looks like he's going to stay in the game for right now had team High seven catches 50 yards last week of course had an amazing rookie season in the SEC with Ricky peol in the NFL now he's their number one target lway he wants him and it's [Applause] incomplete just out of the reach of Trey second down one of the few drop back passes and uh they you know they took a shot on first down in the drop back game the line did a great job he had a clean pocket he had plenty of time to throw the ball I would I would say that this pass right here was a little bit ill advised I don't know that that receiver was open I think it was covered very very well back to the ground game andrel Johnson he is just a machine that's his 12th carry tonight midnight Stewart who had that fumble recovery in the end zone in the first half brings him down after a gain of 11 first down Gators yeah that wide Zone play for Florida has been a good play uh they're able to stet stretch the defense and puncture it but again that should set up a great playaction shot here for for DJ they'll go three wide play action pass again like way looking to go deep another long shot looking for tank Hawkins and he got him rookie to [Applause] rookie 36 yds and a touchdown [Applause] we were talking to Russ Callaway coach about Hawkins who was nicked up last week and did not play he's one of the fastest guys on this roster and that's the beauty of those play action shots uh something let's after the kick I want to come back and and and talk to you about something here try smck to make it 21 to me four plays 69 yards in a minute and 7 seconds so you've seen DJ outstanding on these playaction shots right he's really locked into one receiver and he's sending it down the B down the field and it's done a ter terrific job with his touch and his accuracy earlier in that drive on first down when they drop back he forced that throw down the field it should have been checked down so I think one of the things you're seeing with this Young quarterback is when he can eyeball kind of I'm throwing to that guy he's got great arm strength and accuracy but I think he has to learn how to progression read the drop back game a little bit more so during the course of this second half you'd like to see some more opportunity for him to drop back and progression read that thing and check it down when it's necessary I think that's just another step in the growth and maturity of this Young quarterback yeah we're seeing him grow up here in real time one thing too he is very close with graham Merz since getting to campus in January and talked about Graham being on the sideline here tonight and all week he's kind of acted like an assistant coach and helping the young man along you kind of get the sense but he's feeding off the advice from Graham yeah I think you also get the sense that these two are going to be in quite a battle for who's starting on that field and uh you know competition makes everybody better it's an interesting dilemma for sure not a bad problem to have I know back when you were an assistant here of course you know you had Chris leak you had Tim TBO that two quarterback systems certainly worked in 2006 to a national title um you know I I don't know that we're going to have that kind of a situation here at Florida just yet but obviously he can't leave a talent like DJ lagway on the bench no no no no you've got to utilize him in this in these game plans moving forward he's just got too much ability but they'll figure that out Quincy critton trying to get this offensive Samford going end round play it stop short of the 30 yd line a four yd pickup for EJ Mason cut down there Jordan Castell was a freshman All-American last year excellent safety started 11 games as a freshman and led the team in tackles Damonte Witherspoon in the back field for the Bulldogs a pass for first down to Jenkins so they're starting here in the second half where they started in the first half right and uh you know offensively they're trying to work the Stamper is trying to work the perimeter a little bit here okay and and get the Gators running then come back and puncture them with an inside run that's what they did to open the game in the first half you're seeing that here now it's a withered spoon here spoon there leading rusher but it's been really hard for them to get something going on the ground just a little over 30 yds rushing here tonight for the Bulldogs second and eight play action critton whistles one to the 50 yd line it's caught and into plus territory is Samford it's DJ Rus again who came over to Samford from the Crimson tie that's a gain of 20 and Shamar James is slow to get up here for Florida just think right now this is where you want to play complimentary football this was a great opportunity for the Florida defense to stand up and three and out Sanford right now you know they're giving up let him allowed a big play conversion and and you know now the field they're going to be on a shorter field here this is where the complimentary football comes in time out on the field will'll step aside defensive player yeah he's their playmaker he's their tackler he's the heartbeat of that defense there's four games late last year with a knee injury he's able to get to the sideline under his own power just over 12 minutes to go here third quarter Samford in plus territory for the first time in a while Sanford may want to take a nice shot here on this play you know maybe whether they have a trick play or a shot play but this might be a good opportunity to see if they can get the ball down the field this would be the eighth play in Florida territory tonight it's been tough sledding against this Gator defense this is Ian cousin good burst and that's going to be a first down a gain of 10 Jason Marshall finally able to bring him down a they didn't give it to him just short this is second down and one they changed Personnel Stanford so that Gators get a chance to match it and the officially hold over the ball they couldn't go with Tempo here comes the pressure Blitz off the edge and they run through it first down for Witherspoon the Murray State transfer so now samford's offense this air rate attack Chris Hatcher the 10th year as head coach calls the plays we talked about it before Steve he helped innovate the air Raiders Hal mummy's quarterback at valasta State back in the day yeah he's part of that Mike Leech how mummy that whole tree then it's quite a CT of of the Air Raid Offense and he's right in the middle of it Rus goes in motion take the hand off the Wither spoon it's critt and keeping it he'll lunge ahead a couple of yards maai brow the nose tackle with the stop Hatcher couple of years ago took Samford to the FCS playoffs for the third time under his watch it's a guy who could have left for a bigger program job perhaps but man they love him in Birmingham they do he's a heck of a football coach and a great guy he's got a tremendous football mind and he's done just a fabulous job with this football program you see all the points they put up since he got there held off the board so far tonight second down and nine critton rolling out and he's going to get it to Preston bird the true freshman and that's going to be a [Applause] penalty Jason Marshall saying what did I do well you can't body slam a guy and those are the you know mental over personal foul unnecessary roughness on the defense number three that 15yd penalty will be added to the of the that's pretty obvious what he did right [Applause] here you just have to have more discipline than in that and you know you can't put your team In Harm's Way like that that's a that's a foolish play Ron Roberts executive head coach in charge of the defense telling you and I this week about the discipline and how that was an emphasis this week it was and unfortunately there we didn't see that ninth play of the drive go inside with Micah Kelly the transfer from Toledo Desmond Watson wraps him up and no game the front for the gator has been pretty impressive tonight you know keeping the the running game really stifled inside the tackles for loss tonight for Florida 10 they've had a lot of penetration you know are just overpowering this sford offensive line even there they had a 4-1 box that means five Defenders and they had five blockers but they defeated the blocks and W Samford wasn't able to make a play big number 21 Desmond Watson right in the middle there 449 lbs Damonte wither spoon toward the end zone I think he's short here I think his knee went down he he kind of looked like he might have tripped a little bit on a couple Blades of grass down there they're going fast back up to the line third down they can get a first down inside the one with their spoon lunges ahead again stopped short of the goal line by Caleb Banks but he's got the first down first and goal to go for the Bulldog this is where you'd like to be under Center where you could sneak it here critton wither spoon meets some resistance but the second effort gets him in down sfer yeah they pushed him in you know they all tush push got behind him and and pulled it in there's a flag on the play here that's a face mask against the gator so it's going to be a touchdown that will stand for Samford their first points of the night the result of the play is after the play was over personal foul face mask on the defense number 15 that 15 yd penalty will be enforced on the kickoff number 31 of the offense May remain in the game so two penalties on that scoring drive for sford by the Florida defense Jason Marshall the UN Sportsman like would certainly led to the touchdown and then that face mask by Derek Wingo which was an after theplay face mask which is a frustration p penalty which again that's a lack of mental focus and uh you just don't want to see that you want to outgrow those penalties they come back to hurt you now it's going to be assessed on the [Applause] kickoff Forest Taylor and there's a penalty marker down on the offense number 79 that's a 5yd penalty and it Remains the tri so Donnie Hawkins jumped and Tred it again Withers spoon had a receiving touchdown last week in that loss of West Georgia it's a rushing touchdown to cap that 12pl scoring drive for Samford the Bulldogs are very much in this game in the second half block ah they got a piece of it but not enough as Forest Taylor muscles that one through Deonte Witherspoon the only returning running back this year for the Sanford Bulldogs Powers his way in and Sanford back within 14 [Music] three national championships here in Gainesville for the Florida Gator and Steve adio the man to my right part of two of those as one of the chief assistants under Urban Meyer going back to the Glory Days that's how a lot of the fans think of those mid 2000s years around here and that was you on Friday here at the beautiful beautiful new football facility there are the two national championship trophies you shaved the mustache what's up with that I mean you're just looking for small ways to you know enhance something you don't have much to work with here you know so but you know sure was it's great to be back here it's such great great memories here and great people a lot of fun you of course were part of you know Tim tbo's rise to prominence and ultimate Fame of course Heisman Trophy winner big part of developing that young man who is a hero around these parts still to this day always will be he was an incredible person his faith what he stands for he's an incredible player one of the toughest players I've ever been around and his work ethic was off the charts and uh he's a generational player and it was it was a real hon honor to be to be around him and we're seeing the coming out party for DJ lagway another Young quarterback in the Florida system the true freshman out of Texas making his first career start he snuck that in to Trey Wilson and that's a gain of 16 yds and a first down 16 yd pass is an explosive and a nice safe pass for him he ran a little bit of a nak kid came out and threaded that ball 4 Jobe Jackson into the ball game at running back rer junr from Pensacola had a couple of carries last week and they're going to feed it to him see what he can do nice move gets to the outside and close to another first down I mean this is a deep Back Field when you think about it Johnson of course is going to lead the way but we've seen a lot of Jaden B tonight of course Tryon web is going to be a factor and they like jacobe Jackson as well it's a stable of backs and they're all talented I loved his quickness and change of Direction there so that's a real bright spot on this roster of course the emphasis is going to be on the Run game tonight for Florida poor showing last week Jackson again that's going to be a pickup of eight needs to be a big part of their identity we heard Billy Napier say that many many times this week he was very disappointed by the push up front by uh the burst at times from the running backs just didn't feel that they felt the hole the right way but seems to look better at times here tonight yeah he really wanted to make sure this running game um was dominant and I think they've done a great job in the running game here 115 yds on the ground 6 minutes to go third quarter black way sensing pressure is going to launch it deep toward the end zone and it's caught touchdown Aiden [Applause] [Applause] myel second career touchdown pass for lagway and another impressive throw I mean you're going to see here they brought the Sam in the mic he steps up in the pocket he keeps his eyes down the field and then throws a strike I mean unbelievable ball I mean he's got great accuracy uh you know he locked onto that receiver but he kept his eyes down the field with pressure coming at him very impressive his ability to extend the play very impressive here tonight that's something that you know Graham Merz had trouble with last week he was sacked three times of course hit and suffered a concussion on one play that's why he's out tonight DJ lagway 324 yd passing now and this is touchdown pass number two yeah and I think they have the right formula for him at least right now and that is to run the ball set up the run with the play action give them those one-on-one shots out there he's very comfortable in that space um and I think what they might want to do here a little bit in the second half and this third quarter is start to work a little bit on his drop back and start to work on the ability to really progression read the the drop back game for his continue his development9 that's a single game true freshman passing record here at Florida that's awesome they building his confidence and he he's responding and uh I think they have a really a great young star in the making here smack to kick it deep and fair catch called for at the 5 yd line Aiden Mel the fourstar red shirt freshman his first catch of the season it's 41 yd touchdown hookup with lagway and you can already sense what's going to be talked about on Gator sports radio this week what the fans going to be talking about the parking lot and in the car on the way home who's going to start next week against Texas C&M I'm saying they're having that conversation as they're sitting in these uh hot bleachers seats right now so Samford with a scoring Drive their first of the night on their last series they go to work after on 25 and it's Micah Kelly get three let's see this defense right now bow up here go three and out right now get the ball with great field position and put that ball in the end zone again I mean that's that's what you need to do here you know that and play complimentary football the offense throws a big shot play defense scores defense come back three and out keep the field position this defense is sacked critten in three times tonight CR pumps throws deep ball sideline in complete again double coverage good coverage around EJ Mason great man coverage you know you saw him he was in his hip he was pressing against him basically running them out of bounds and the heck a job Watch the watch the play of the corner here he step for step with him now he's pressing him into the sideline and the throws Led Out of Bounds well well done on defense that's Jason Marshall senior out of Miami and starting Corner Devon Moore out with his shoulder hoping to get him back soon third down crit and backpedaling checks it down and it's incomplete they're trying to set up a they're running the screen there they had the lineman down field but the you know the defender beat the lineman well you got your three and out I got my three and out so here we go number five for Florida 32 that might be the first three in out it is yeah it's that's nice to see good for them they needed to do that you know now you're going to get a chance to get some field position here get a little bit of return here then get the return game going here looks like they're setting up a return here Thor short kick DK coming up he's going to let it bounce and good field position at around the 36 yd line 35 yd punt first of the night for thorland Florida's got it back try to put this one away here in the third quarter [Applause] [Music] they call the quarterback the field General I I didn't expect to see DJ lagway look like George Patton pregame but he did and he is throwing some dimes here tonight he is averaging 27 yds per completion in his first career start setting a freshman passing record at 320 some odd yards I mean it's uh very impressive and uh you can see his arm and his ability Andel Johnson will get the carry here first play of this drive DJ lagway pride of Willis Texas through for over 8,000 yds and 100 career touchdowns in high school in Suburban Houston one of the most sought after dual threat quarterbacks in the country last year he decided on Florida his parents Derek and Nikki are here tonight with other family members he is not disappointed that's Trey Wilson and that's going be a Florida first down again they're just throwing a little quick touch out to the perimeter and had great blocking out there and got a nice first down moving the chains had to be easier knowing that he was getting ready to make his first career start with some reps in a game situation ation after last week absolutely every bit of experience helps every time he's in command of that offense his leadership and his personality comes good pursuit in the back field there's no am Martin and Pard Dante Pard shooting in it wasn't blocked very well and you know time FL the line now step up and pose your will get a get a hat on a hat here and let's get get this thing blocked there's too many guys with penetration they're unblocked at the POA point of attack and there's the first tackle for loss tonight for Samford second and 13 Hayden Hansen the tight end the line up wide to the right flue has had a lot of time to throw tonight and he hits another man in stride it's Eli Badger again that was a nice job of reading the field reading the cover and progression reading nowhere to go what receiver to go to that was that was a good play for him good experience from him in the drop back pass game third catch for Badger he's got 99 yds receiving taking a shot at the paint again incomplete crowd gets the penalty flag they wanted Elijah Badger thought he was interfered with turned around looked at the referee and when he did that the flag was already in midair yeah the coverage was tight and uh they wanted to take a shot off the play action they did it interesting the I want to see if they if they're going to call this offensive Pi there is no foul on the play for pass interference second down he just got tangled [Applause] up yeah I I almost think that was offensive pi to be honest with you good no call [Applause] there's jalik yansy the cornerback he's tangled up with Badger here's second and 10 drop it off short to Montell Johnson slips a tackle then upended at the 25 yd line and it's going to be third down and see what Samford can do here they need a big stop they're going to stay in this ball game it was a really good call they ran a slow screen right there it was a great call on second and long now they put him back into third and medium which is a manageable down in distance this would be great here for for DJ to convert this and continue this drive Tryon Webb in the ball game of the Back Field it's going to be a run for lagway and he stopped short about a yard shy of what he needed so fourth down CJ Douglas the free safety he's had a big night you can't slide there okay you're going for the first down because he slid they mark it they mark it back where where his helmet [Applause] was oh there's another helmet to helmet hit yeah and and the quarterback gave himself up best crown of the helmet this could be a targeting call on sford we'll see are they going to even review it that'll be the second time tonight that they haven't reviewed a helmet to helmet hit on liger Johnson's going to pick up the first down that was a that was a young quarterback mistake there that's that's not on those shorts you know third and short that's not where you want to slide right there you got to go get that first down you know you know they're always looking they're always revealing those helmet to helmet hits yeah they just didn't deem that one worthy of the call down right well he didn't lead with his crown and and that's why four 40 seconds to go here in the quarter play action rolling up this is Wilson and he's tackled in the open field by Dante par that's a nice uh call a naked he's out there basically bootlegging with no protector in front of him and he dumps the ball off into the flat so really safe good play action easy throw for him two and long sustained drive here for Florida Play number 10 web poking ahead and this will be third down after that 5yd pickup that's going to do it for the third quarter well Florida leading 28 to7 heading to the four Tom Petty we'll be singing loud in the stadium when we come back [Music] he [Applause] oh [Applause] you me turn and I keep this world [Applause] I just [Applause] one [Applause] you SC [Applause] all stand turn start of the fourth quarter and Florida needs to call a timeout you see Billy Napier out on the field and this is not a good look having to burn a timeout coming out of the quarter break as a head coach that really uh that gets under your skin a little bit you know he's taking you can see he's saying my fault my fault he's trying to get that off the everybody the quarterback and put it on him you see that passing offense last week it's been much better tonight despite lague making his first career start he's got the inh helmet communication and that was going to be a vital thing according to Billy Napier tonight being able to communicate with the rookie quarterback just ahead of the snap yeah I think it's just such a great asset to have that communication that getes you a sense of ease 12 y they have to use a timeout web the pistol he'll feed it to number five and he spills ahead to the 6yd line course Tryon Webb the cousin of D Webb he was a terrific defensive back at Florida back when you were here yeah great player yeah really was yeah he a he's a good young player his running back right here I thought I just love the way he lowered his pads and he went after the line of scrimmage and drove it Mike way looking for another touchdown pass that was deflected away there is a penalty marker in the back field Edwin deerman the strong safety knocked that away from Hansen and this is going to be a flag against Florida holding on the offense number 70 10yd penalty will be afor previous spot first down it's at Damen George the guard the Alabama transfer I mean you can't have these penalties down here in the Red Zone you know but he got beat he got beat there was penetration and he grabbed them and uh it just sets you back these are those errors that you got to eliminate the best football should be played when you're down in the Red Zone you got to score touchdowns had some guys struggle week one Cameron weights was demoted from a starting spot at tack again they opened up competition along that offensive line this week in practice there is a hit behind the line again for the sford front now of a sudden Florida has lost the momentum again I mean this is where the offensive alli's got to put the offense on their back right now they've got to play at their very best right now and instead what you're seeing right now is some Mis blocks and missed opportunities the left tackle got beat inside here and just caused penetration forced the ball back this is where you play your best you put your best blocking together your best schemes together and you go score this is where you learn how to put a knockout punch in second down and goal lagway has all kinds of time over the middle throw is high and incomplete he wanted his tight end boardingham opportunity for him to check the ball now check the ball down don't force that throw in there right now and that's part of that drop back game that I think there's still a lot of room for development he's obviously got the ability but needs more experience with that this is going to be the 14th play of the drive a drive that is almost 5 minutes in length and they don't want to have to settle for a field goal attempt Johnson out of the back field another penalty marker and Wilson has to make a great effort to haul that one in and he'll take it inside the 10 yd line fourth down we'll see what the penalty marker is about fifth penalty against Florida and third or fourth penalty in this in this Red Zone attack here right now illegal formation on the offense number 75 was not lined up on the line of scriage that penalty has been decline it will be fourth down you know what's funny clay I was watching right before the ball was snapped and it didn't look like there was a lot of intensity up front you know there should be great intensity he's line up in back here just a sense of urgency down here right now you got a chance to put a knockout punch in and that's that's that's a mentality thing and Trey smack will come on for a 26 ydd field goal attempt and more penalty markers I think it's going to be offside by the defense and that's the case I don't love that series for the Gators you know side of the defense number two that penalty has been declined the field goal is good an to settle for three and again we talked about it at length here tonight Steve they needed to work on the discipline and we have seen some very unforced errors tonight that have been costly and this would be another instance some penalties on this drive that fored it I mean you're looking up at the score you're saying it's 317 you're saying hey they kicked the field goal but you're also understand that you're practicing and preparing for what's coming at you down the road right now and in the SEC in this league you've got to get rid of the penalties you've got to have the ability to administer a knockout punch and these are things that this team has got to grow with as these weeks continue to come at him and remember you know Billy Napier was forced to take a timeout right at the start of the quarter because of some bad communication there too so I you can tell that there have been some positives here tonight but obviously they're still working out some of the Bucks yeah they're they're not where they need to be yet but they certainly uh took a nice step forward and broke in a very talented young quarterback they ran the ball better at times the defense stood up but I think there needs to be a little more consistency there as well so we got still a lot of ball left to play here and and we'd like to see him to continue to grow talked about Florida's schedule arguably the toughest in the country Texas A&M coming in here next week for a game on ABC it'll be the third straight game in the swamp for the Gators and then on the road to Mississippi State UCF comes in here on October the 5th but look at November November 2nd and Beyond talk about a gauntlet all the ranked teams and then even though Florida state is struggling out of the gate it's a rivalry game and they've got to go to Tallahasse yeah that's a a tough little stretch there so they're they're preparing right now to become a better team to handle that stretch critton to Rus he's going to throw it back to critton and he dropped the football and it's incomplete Florida is going to pick it up and take it into the end zone that's George gums but it was an incomplete pass as Samford goes to their bag of tricks why not you know I think it's a good call let it hang out a little bit Bron felt dejon Johnson bearing down and distracted [Applause] it second down Ian cousin he's had a good night here the receiver has shown off his speed kenas State transfer Johnson gets him to the sideline that's an 8- yd gain know you're seeing a lot of new bodies for the Gators on the field right now and I think you know going to get some young guys some reps receiver screen EJ Mason be a first down number three so when you have a schedule like that you get out to the start that they did against Miami as a coach what were you telling the players this week we got to focus on getting better we got to focus on you know one play at a time one day at a time one game at a time I think they obviously had a great week of practice and there's there's evidence of of their work showing on the field but the consistency the continued growth of mental toughness there's a lot of meat left on the bone here there's a lot of development that has to occur and the most the most development usually occurs in the first 3 weeks so I you know they're going to have an have to have another great week this week and as they prepare for you know obviously another really good football team coming into the swamp second and 10 and Preston BD couldn't get to the edge third down and long as RJ moton slices in you you can't sit it this week you play Samford coming off a tough loss against another instate rival in Miami expectations were really high coming off the off season a game like this it's kind of a no-win situation you you got to blow Samford out of the water and even when you do that you're not going to get a pat on the back because you're expected to do it yeah that's what makes it very very difficult you know to come out of this thing you gaining ground so to speak at Kelly as they fake the reverse it's got across the 40 to the 43 yd line and it'll be fourth down I think it's I think it's fair to say we saw Improvement we saw the emergence of a really fine young talent in DJ lagway but we saw some inconsistencies you wouldn't say that they you know grabbed this game in full control right away so I think you kind of move it to next week and you're kind of putting your chips on the table a little bit against Texas A&M as they roll in here and I think a lot will a lot will be told in that game I'm I'm guessing right now that Billy's going to want to get out of this thing right now at this point as healthy as he can punt number seven for will Thorley and Florida will have it with just over 10 minutes to go here in the fourth quarter 31 to7 Gators here in the swamp from Wisconsin suffered that concussion in the third quarter last week against Miami DJ lagway came in finished the game in the fourth quarter Merz is going to be back next week who takes the first team reps in practice stevez here you know that's tough but I think you know MZ and I think DJ is going to get his share of those repure to ones as well I don't know that you can take Merz and say okay he's ahead of you now based off of the sford um he showed great but it's not the same level of play as it was against Miami but in no way can you not continue to grow DJ cuz he may have it look at this run Trey Wilson ahead of the field in Free Flight goodbye touchdown 85 yds for Trey Wilson [Applause] Trey had a quiet start to this game steveen you said you know I think Midway through the second quarter they need to start getting it to him well they have as the game has worn on he's had five catches he's been involved in the Run game and then that explosive play to really land a Haymaker here against Samford yeah no question they've got to get the ball in his hands more and great job of doing that uh here he's he's a heck of a football player they love to run these uh jet sweeps and he just basically outruns the whole defense of of Sanford that's a reception he's sixth of the game 141 yd receiving now this this is that time of the game you know where okay there's there's just under 10 minutes left to play and and I think you know I think if you're bu Billy you're saying to yourself okay we kind of got done what we got done now the next thing we got to be careful of is we have a lot of injuries right now we want to be as healthy as we can be going into next week's game so I think you you got to start saying I'm going to start pulling my guys here I got to get my dudes off the field that brings lagways passing total tonight to 456 yds first game for Florida quarterback over 400 yd passing since emry Jones against Samford in 2021 that that shootout here at the swamp 4 64 and six touchdowns for Jones in that game and now here's lagway in his first career start going over 400 he's got to feel terrific about the way he played tonight and uh he's going to move that forward he's going to be a big part of this off offense next week there's no doubt about that but to your point uh or your question clay I still think you know you you've got to be able to say okay uh merch got hurt he didn't do anything to lose that job I think next week they share those reps they both play but you know coming out of there I think you got to start to emerge who's your guy Graham mer such a great teammate this week coaches were still pleased with the communication between Graham and DJ is they prepped The Freshman for his first start under 10 minutes to go critt to the outside they feel very very strong about merch in terms of the drop back throw game they say he does a terrific job reading the coverages and Route progression so you know that's that's a piece of the game that's going to be large as you play these better defenses in the SEC on the play on the Davenport the transfer from UAB no gain on that point and a tough night for this Samford offense overall just over 200 [Applause] yds and Veteran o line despite all the experience just hard getting a ground game established against this Florida Front tonight four of the five starters up front for Samford played here in 2021 and they thought you know coming in here that was going to be you know a strong suit for them to stay in the ball game it's been a hard night at just 60 rushing yards for the Bulldogs yeah I mean they're just mismatches up front you know sometimes in these different levels of football that's where it shows up the most right up front with the with the big guys in the trenches um they've got a very fine line they're going to have a very fine year you know Chris Hatcher is a heck of a football coach and and they certainly competed out here tonight and Cron's pass is incomplete try to hit Davenport and so it's Fourth Down Gregory Smith the safety a true freshman getting some time here in the fourth quarter in on the coverage and sford will have to punt again there's Chris Hatcher we talked about you know his history with the air rid he was right there for the start of the thing when Hal mummy was the head coach at valasta state that division two power back in the day and he was the quarterback Chris Hatcher won the Harland Hill award back when he was at valsta that's the division 2 Heisman Trophy that's saying a lot and it really is fun to talk to Chris this week getting ready for this game Jim DK trying to stay away from the coverage team and he gets to the 35 yd line little over eight minutes to go in this contest Florida now a big lead here in the swamp missing five regulars from their defense and now jaem Jackson on special teams a backup corner was help to the sideline here's what happened coming back down to block for this punt return just goes down in a heap you know it has all the ear marks of a hamstring it does yeah looks like he grabs his high hamstring there hopefully uh hopefully he's okay there now DJ lagway he's going to stay in the ball game he's had an amazing in first start first of his collegiate career this is B on first down Jaden B who they wanted to get quite a bit of work tonight we're handing that ball off right now run the rock a little bit burn this clock a little bit don't expose DJ to too many unnecessary hits let somebody's uh lineman get an opportunity to get in the game play a little bit Isaac in Livingston two tight ends to the left side and they're going to whistle this play down on I think the center was delayed snapping the ball there false start on the offense all linen moved except for the center a 5yd penalty it remains second down I know you were mostly a guard in your playing base did you play much at Center played a little bit at Center you know in college I played a defensive line and I'm o line a dline then moved over as a free agent went in as an offensive lineman and mostly played guard obviously not good enough that's why I'm coaching he did just fine second down ague slips and slides down slipped right through a hole on the right side and played it safe like you said it it's imperative he stays healthy with one injured quarterback already in Ms I'm sure uh the coaches were yelling get down on the sideline when he started taking off running so that was a smart play by DJ he doesn't need to take any real hits here unnecessarily here's Merz again he should be ready for Texas A&M game here next week on ABC flue his pass incomplete it was tank Hawkins who had the touchdown catch the first career touchdown throw for lagway and the first career touchdown catch for Hawkins earlier tonight Hawkins they're very excited about number 10 he ran a 103 100 m that's fast in high school that's fast that's world class speed yeah it sure is we had a guy by the name of Jeff Demps here that was I think a 101 10200 meter when I was here and and uh you know those guys are real threats just the second time that Jeremy croshaw the Australian who's been called on to punt tonight for Florida jayen Bon back inside the 10 yd line for Samford high end overend kick fair Catch at the 17 yd line we're going to step aside back in the swamp 387 Florida on this muggy night in [Music] Gainesville what a year it's going to be in the new look SEC this year of course to 16 teams the new additions of Oklahoma and Texas and how about Texas and the statement they made today going into the big house and knocking off the defending national champions and it really wasn't that close I mean they really have a great football team they're explosive they can run it they can throw it they've got a real quarterback they were very impressive today on the road Oklahoma is getting a rub the other newcomer in the SEC Houston trailing by just to 14- 12 Midway through the third quarter scalo is in a quarterback as Quincy critton appears to be done for the night for the Stanford Bulldogs 22 how about Notre Dame's win or excuse me Notre Dame's loss at home at the hands of Northern Iowa talk about an upset yeah Northern Illinois unbelievable um great great win for Northern Illinois and a crushing tough loss for not aim after coming up such an emotional high at Texas A&M but that's what happens sometimes there's let Downs that's the biggest step set of the day in college football number five Notre Dame going down and in the Mac you saw Bowling Green take Penn State to the wire Scott ler has done an unbelievable job of Bowling Green and they they've got a really fine team scalo with the handoff and swarming Gater defense it'll be third down and that's a loss of two that's the 11th tackle for loss for the Florida defense Quincy critton just his third career start tonight it wasn't easy he knew it wasn't going to be easy threw for 300 yards in a couple of touchdowns last week also ran for a couple of touchdowns last week but these Gators were really prepared for him I think and it it helped that they were seeing a dual threat quarter back in an air raid scheme for the second straight week yeah no question and U I think Quincy's going to have a really fine year this year I like him I think he's the heck of a player he competed hard pass incomplete penalty marker in the back field number 41 tlor mczo transfer from Kentucky second year at Samford personal foul roughing the passer from the defense that 15 yard penalty will be enforced from the previous spot carries an automatic first down that's on DeAndre Robinson and that's another unsportsmanlike penalty just unnecessary against his Florida defense just totally unnecessary you see the frustration on Billy Napier right now he's frustrated you know and he's getting into a little with the official here but you know you can't put your hands through six penalty against the Gators discipline will be another important talking point this week you would think scalo flushed chased throws on the Run throws it away [Applause] was LJ McCrae Jadon Robinson with the pressure second down each team with just one turnover tonight Samford had theirs on their opening Series yeah they they recover they lost the ball a couple times and recovered it but uh kind of set the tempo for this game kind of set the mood for this game yeah they did a good job securing the ball as the game went on it's a gain of four for Bennett Jonathan Bennett transfer from Alabama third down at six third down four and a half to go crowd starting to file out here at the swamp just there are times with some pretty good energy in here and I you and I both question what it would be like here I it was obvious though when they saw how lague was playing that you know they they had something to get excited about again they sure did and this is just a unbelievable Arena the swamp and it was great to see it active tonight oh Scalzo hit hard from behind didn't see it coming Jamarcus Weston the Sam linebacker and that's the fourth Gator sack tonight yeah they uh this is how people get hurt right here you know it's just left tackle in the game he gets overwhelmed and beat looks like the back lost his protection and the quarterback took an unbelievable shot right there it was a backup left tackle Duncan Johnson no match no [Applause] I think everybody out on that uh Stadium floor right now is wants to see that clock run a little bit you know on both sides right Jim de get to the outside transfer from Wisconsin into plus territory he has looked good on special teams here the last couple of weeks again Billy Napier saying the special team teams has been one of the real bright spots something he's been very pleased with here in the early season yeah he he certainly was very high on them and uh I don't know that they were really a a factor uh in this game one way or the other but they're going to need great special team play in this conference as the season progresses cuz that's a different M well DJ lagway is out of the game Aiden Warner red shirt freshman comes in to play quarterback for the Gator a transfer from The Ivy leag preferred walk on from Yale smart getting DJ off the field right now he got a lot done there's nothing more he's going to get done in the in the remaining few minutes left to play so keep him healthy he might be special so this a college debut as Aiden Warden Warner is ready to take the field and now apparently they are looking at a targeting penal a possible targeting penal this is what through look at in well that's leading with the crown that's helmet to helmet I'd say that they're going to probably get a targeting penalty here that's Alex applefield The Long Snapper number 61 and that's a specialist who you know so important you don't usually talk about the Long Snapper much unless something bad happens well here's an instance where something bad has happened and they may be without him for the first half next week yeah that's what I'm talking about the end of these games right now you know this kind of stuff starts to creep up you don't want to lose a vital player that has a vital role for the following week whether it be the injury whether it be here if they disqualify him with a targeting video evidence shows that during the return number 61 of the kicking team has a personal foul targeting with the crown of the helmet that 15yd penalty will be enforced from the end of the run it carries an automatic first down and number 61 of the kicking team has been disqualified so 61 that's Alex applefield is out of the game and he will have to sit in the first half of next week's game when they come home to play their first home game of the season at newly renovated Pete Hannah Stadium they're going to take on Alabama state applefield will have to watch from the sidelines for the first 30 minutes yeah it's a shame but you know they they've got to get this uh safety of the players and driving that point home and can't lead with your crown so here comes Warner missed most of the spring with an injury but has been very sharp in the fall and Klay Millan who has more experience as a college quarterback a transfer from Colorado State who is also played at Nevada he's going to watch Warner take these staps W weren't sure exactly who was the backup he's incomplete on his first pass attempt tended for Wade K Millan started 10 games for Colorado State a couple of years ago before he lost his job and transferred here to Florida they really liked what they've seen from Warner here in recent weeks k Daniels into the ball game of the Back Field true freshman running back high snap they get it to Daniels got some young linan in there a little bit of penetration got the center firing the ball a little bit High these guys are all gaining a little bit of game experience getting a little under their belt right now which is a good thing Mike ELO and Texas A&M come in here new coaching staff mhm for the Aggies and it's a team that had a disappointing week one that loss to Notre Dame but he roted mcne state today let's go DJ they're going to be hungry uh they've got a great defense they've got a a good good unit on offense and they're loaded with Talent so they're going to come in here and I'm sure be much improved this is going to be quite a battle in in the swamp here next week Warner hits Wade Jackson Wade with the completion and that takes us to a two-minute timeout Florida on the march with the reserves in the game last year at this time he was in high school and now he's doing stuff like this first career start had six completions of over 30 yards tied with Kyle TR who did it in 2020 against Missouri for the most by a Florida quarterback in the last 20 seasons and that was in his starting first career start future is bright for young DJ no doubt great great job tonight and just you know with another great week really improve and grow and I think the sky is the limit here's his family be ready to celebrate with DJ after the game you think about how this game started I mean Florida stopped on fourth down turned it over on their first series third series of the game fumble in the end zone maybe the game goes a different direction but DJ lagway even though he's 18 years old took the game over and really got the momentum back on Florida's side for the balance of that first half and and then here in the second half they pulled away he just looked so composed he had great Poise great presence you know you you felt him be a lot of talk this week here in Gainesville and Gator Nation about who should be taking the snaps at quarterback next week right now it's Aiden Warner taking the snaps and he's got a gator touchdown first career touchdown for Aiden [Applause] Warner that's exciting sure his family and friends are cheering like crazy man that's a good feeling right there you know those guys work so hard and they don't get many just get little scraps and uh there a heck of a play nice job a Warner transfer from Yale he's of Florida native go from Winter Park where Yale is Right New Haven you know what's in New Haven Connecticut the best pizza in the world you've told me 40 times the last two weeks you got Sally's and peppies and modern pizza and you really need to do yourself a favor change your life and experience what great pizza is I'm going to make sure we get you down there yeah you have no idea but we're going to you're going to experience that Aiden Warner he's got some pretty good ability with his legs so I think they've figured out who their third Stringer is now yeah look at lagway he's out there cheering you know that quarterback room's tight those guys cheer for each other and it's I love that part of football love it so Billy Napier and Florida will enjoy their first win in a long time in fact 329 days since their last victory of 41 to 39 win wow at South Carolina I know there were still some mistakes here tonight but you know at least they've got the losing streak put to bed and they can go into the Texas A&M game next week with a little momentum absolutely and you know what tonight go home just enjoy it just enjoy your family take a deep breath when you get when you get in the office tomorrow it'll it'll be waiting for you but you know there's no better feeling than winning and you and you got to be able to celebrate these wins I don't care who you would beat so it's you know it's a good feeling for for Billy Napier and his staff um and you know there's work to be done it's not perfect we all know that they know that but it's still a chance to go out and improve and get a get a win in the swamp in front of the home fans and get ready to have a great environment next week against Texas [Music] A&M Preston bird on the return 42 seconds to go in the half and that schedule is just brutal talked about it a couple of times here tonight coach and what lies ahead for Florida but you know based on what we saw from Notre Dame here today maybe that makes you feel a little bit different about Texas A&M you know having lost to Notre Dame who just lost to Northern Illinois at home this afternoon and perhaps you know Florida is able to take care of business you go into week four two and one and then this this feel around this Florida team completely changes oh I don't think there's any question I think you come out in in the swamp in your home field and you play a great game against Texas A&M you're going to change that narrative that narrative is going to start to really change and you're going to gain positive momentum noise surrounding this program Billy napers had to deal with it and maybe he can sleep a little bit better tonight I think so you know but uh you know he knows what's in front of them he knows the Improvement he knows the things that aren't quite where they need to be at see a lot of questions from the media about the back situation here in Florida this coming week as Chris Hatcher makes his way across the field to shake hands with Billy Napier couple of guys who have a lot of respect for each other both sons of coaches both former quarterbacks at the FCS level Florida first win in 329 days it's been a minute but Billy Napier and the Florida Gators Victorious tonight 45-7 over the Samford Bulldogs and A Star is Born DJ lagway what a night first his career start puts up 456 yd passing three touchdowns no interceptions and really took control of his team commanded well they don't have huddles really anymore but he commanded the players he commanded the offense he appears to have that it factor and uh I think the uh the program and the gator Nation should really be excited about what the future is going to bring with this young man and anytime you have a quarter back you got something special so I think there's a lot to be uh excited about here and uh to embrace and uh to feel good about once again the final score Florida 45 Samford 7 for STA doio and her entire crew on Clay matfx saying so long from the swamp [Music]