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Florida football coach Billy Napier hasn’t wavered from the task at hand.
Rumors about Napier’s future with the Florida Gators (2-2, 1-1 SEC) persist, even after an open week following a 45-28 win at Mississippi State.
“Any time we spend on that would be a waste of time and a distraction.” Napier said. “We owe it to the players; I owe it to the staff to have my complete focus on improving the team.”
Florida gets another chance to change the narrative when it hosts in-state foe UCF on Saturday night at The Swamp (7:45 p.m., SEC Network). The goal, Napier says, is to build off the MSU win with a more complete effort on both sides of the ball.
“So far, I’ve seen good things from the players,” Napier said. “They’re excited to play, we’re excited to be back in front of our fans, obviously, night game here, it has a chance to be electric against an in-state opponent that’ll bring their fair share of people as well. We’re looking forward to competing with these guys.”
With an upset, UCF (3-1, 1-1 Big 12) under fourth-year coach Gus Malzahn, can prove it belongs in the conversation with the state’s traditional big three powers — Miami, Florida State and UF. Miami beat Florida 41-17 at The Swamp to open the season.
Here are five storylines to watch for the Florida-UCF game on Saturday:
Can the Florida football two-QB system continue to thrive?
Florida quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway combined for 26-of-28 passing for 277 yards, three TDs and no interceptions against Mississippi State. UCF’s pass defense has struggled (251.5 ypg, 13th in Big 12) in part because of poor pass rush (four sacks in four games).
Standout sophomore receiver Euguene Wilson III missed UF’s last two games with a knee surgery, yet Florida has stayed strong in the air thanks to receiving contributions from Arizona State transfer Elijhah Badger (14…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/another-state-test-breaking-down-194548972.html
Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2024-10-03 19:45:48
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