GAINESVILLE — Florida’s 27-16 win against LSU ended a five-game losing streak to the Tigers and revived the Gators’ chances to earn a bowl bid. The victory also vindicated Scott Stricklin’s Nov. 7 vote of confidence in coach Billy Napier to return for a fourth season a week after a lopsided loss Nov. 9 at Texas led many to question it.
Defense bounces back with vengeance
A week after Texas embarrassed them, the Gators suffocated LSU a season after the Tigers’ historic performance at Florida’s expense.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was a sitting duck a season after Jayden Daniels ran circles around Florida for an SEC-record 606 total yards during a 52-35 win on his way to the Heisman Trophy. Florida sacked Nussmeier 7 times, overwhelming an LSU O-line that had allowed an SEC-low 6 in nine games.
Linebacker Shemar James had 2 sacks while end Tyreak Sapp had 1 among his 4 tackles for loss. Tackle Caleb Banks had a monster night with a sack, forced fumble and 3 quarterback hurries.
“We just wanted to come out a new week and be refreshed,” Sapp said. “We just took accountability and made it our job to put our best foot forward tonight.”
Good time for big recruiting weekend
One of college football’s best environments, true freshmen DJ Lagway and Jadan Baugh in starring roles and the defense answering their head coach’s call gave Napier plenty to relish.
The Gators hope the recruits on hand at the Swamp were sold as Florida pushed to improve the 2025 class, which is currently ranked No. 45 by 247Sports.
Headliners included a pair of 5-star prospects committed to other schools — Birmingham cornerback Na’eem Offord (Ohio State) and Tampa receiver Dallas Wilson (Oregon) — along with Mandarin 4-star receiver Jaime Ffrench (Texas) and Jacksonville offensive lineman Solomon Thomas (Florida State).
Other intriguing prospects included Georgia 4-star defensive lineman Joseph Mbatchou, a former UF commit, and quarterback Tramell Jones, who recently de-committed from Florida State. Meanwhile, the Gators’ win only reaffirmed the commitments of receiver Vernell Brown III of Orlando and Jalen Wiggins, a 4-star edge rusher from Tallahassee.
Head Ball Coach motivates
At an event on the eve of Florida’s win, legend Steve Spurrier encouraged fans to “Swarm the Swamp” if his Gators won.
“If Florida wins, hit the field!” the 79-year-old said at his Gainesville restaurant. “Respect for LSU and goalposts stay intact. But when we win, Swarm the Swamp. Spurrier’s will pay the fine.”
Spurrier might not have realized the price tag would be $250,000. No matter: On-field security wasn’t about to let fans onto the field following the school’s long-established approach.
Yet the message was loud and clear to the Gators.
“Our players got wind of that, and they were talking about it earlier today,” Napier said. “I think it juiced them up a little bit.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com