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Florida football freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has gradually adapted to SEC football, alternating with incumbent starter Graham Mertz on a series-by-series basis depending on the flow of the game.
But with Mertz done for the season with a torn ACL, Lagway will lead the Florida Gators for the remainder of the season as UF’s starter. That begins Saturday night, when Florida hosts Kentucky for homecoming at The Swamp.
“He’s had an opportunity to observe Graham,” Florida football coach Billy Napier said. “I think that’s been beneficial in terms of what that grind looks like, you know, from a film-study perspective, from a self-discipline, routine standpoint, and then ultimately, you know, the entire process in terms of meetings, walkthrough, arm care, pre-practice, post-practice, you know, how to kind of build momentum and put yourself in position where you can play with confidence.”
Florida (3-3, 1-2) is looking to make life easier for Lagway by playing well around him. UF’s defense has allowed an average of 18.0 points its last two games, and its special teams, led by first-year senior analyst Joe Houston, ranks fifth nationally in the FBS in punt return average (19.6 ypr) and ninth in net punting (43.9 ypp).
Kentucky (3-3, 1-3 SEC) is coming off a 20-13 home loss to Vanderbilt. UF has lost three in a row in its series with the Wildcats, dating back to the 2021 season. Florida, meanwhile, is coming off a 23-17 overtime loss at No. 10 Tennessee — a game in which a handful of player and coaching mistakes in the red zone for UF proved crucial in the outcome of the game.
“This group is learning,” Napier said. “They’re learning how to win. We’re getting there. We’ve got to get closer. We get a chance to get back out there Saturday night, and they want to play. They’re excited to play.”
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-vs-kentucky-score-204527064.html
Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2024-10-19 20:45:27
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