DJ Lagway wasn’t in peak form, and neither was Florida’s defense. But the Gators made enough big plays to beat LSU, 27-16, at Florida Field on Saturday and keep hope alive for a winning season.
Offense: B
Lagway’s return didn’t revitalize the entire operation, but the passing game came through enough big spots to make the difference. No one came through more than Elijah Badgers (six receptions for 131 yards). That made up for the sloppiness (two holding calls, two offsides, one delay of game penalty) and a running game that generated only 70 yards until Jadan Baugh’s 55-yard TD run clinched the game.
Defense: B
There was a lot of bending, but UF broke only once. LSU almost doubled UF’s time of possession, but four scoring drives produced only one TD. The most glaring flaw was the Gators’ inability to get LSU off the field. The Tigers converted 11 of 21 third-down plays and were 2-for-3 on fourth downs. But UF’s pass rush started getting to Garrett Nussmeier in the second half. And the game was sealed when UF (finally) stopped LSU on a fourth-and-12.
Special Teams: A
The kicking game came through in a big way, with Trey Smack nailing field goals of 47 and 55 yards. Punter Jeremy Crawshaw had three punts downed inside LSU’s 20. The return game was non-existent, but nobody could complain about special teams play.
![Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) is tackled by LSU Tigers defensive end Bradyn Swinson (4) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 16, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KLlxxTeFWuak0sclskV2Dg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExODU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-gainesville-sun/f70ee29224ac2a21276f505ccb3d0237)
Coaching: B-plus
Billy Napier needed to show the vote of confidence he got before the Texas game wasn’t a gaffe. With Lagway’s hamstring worries, Napier designed an attack that could only utilize Lagway as a pocket passer. It worked well enough, and the defensive staff made adjustments in the second half to put pressure on Nussmeier. The game won’t silence Napier critics, but the vote of confidence looks a lot better than it did after Texas.
Overall: A-minus
Lagway’s return restored hope the season is not lost. It won’t go down as a vintage win in the LSU series, but any win feels vintage these days for UF. One more win (FSU?), and Florida will qualify for a bowl game. Gator Nation really needed this one.
David Whitley is The Gainesville Sun’s sports columnist. Contact him at dwhitley@gannett.com. Follow him on X @DavidEWhitley
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football extends LSU’s misery
