DJ Lagway’s Pricey Mistake Outlined for Billy Napier After Steve Spurrier Requires Change
Florida’s season has gone utterly off the rails with a 1-2 begin, a report that features surprising losses to inferior opponents. Quarterback DJ Lagway’s interception issues have turn out to be a serious concern, main Gators legend Steve Spurrier to name for offensive modifications whereas head coach Billy Napier fights for his job. The sophomore quarterback’s poor selections are crippling what must be a proficient group, with turnovers costing Florida video games it was positioned to win.
What Did Steve Spurrier Say About Florida’s Offense?
Spurrier criticized Florida’s offensive strategy after the 20-10 loss to LSU. The Corridor of Fame coach clarified that he needs Billy Napier to scrap the present technique and check out one thing new.
“However, proper now, yeah, offensively, we have to regroup someway or one other and do one thing completely different. That’s what I’m saying. Let’s do one thing completely different. Let’s not throw 49 (instances),” Spurrier stated to CBS Sports activities.
That remark got here after Lagway threw 5 interceptions towards LSU, essentially the most by a Florida quarterback since 1992. By way of three video games, he has accomplished 71 of 100 passes for 629 yards with six interceptions and simply 5 touchdowns. His six picks already lead the SEC and rank second nationally.
DJ LAGWAY THROWS HIS 5TH INTERCEPTION OF THE NIGHT 😱 pic.twitter.com/iAlaByoqpM
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 14, 2025
What makes the scenario worse is when these turnovers occur. 4 of Lagway’s 5 interceptions towards LSU got here from a clear pocket. In opposition to South Florida, he had safety practically all sport however nonetheless threw a pricey choose within the upset loss. The issue isn’t the cross rush; it’s his decision-making.
The stats totally help this conclusion. Based on PFSN, Lagway ranks 132nd out of 151 eligible quarterbacks this season when throwing from a clear pocket, posting a clean-pocket EPA of -0.03 per dropback. That’s horrible manufacturing, particularly contemplating the assets round him.
Is Florida’s Offensive Line Actually the Downside?
In actual fact, the difficulty doesn’t look like safety in any respect. Florida truly has elite cross safety. Based on PFSN Faculty OLi, the Gators have the third-ranked offensive line within the nation with a 94.5 rating, which interprets to an A grade. This implies Lagway’s reads, not his safety, are the first subject.
This drawback turns into even clearer when watching the tape. In a latest podcast episode of “At all times Faculty Soccer,” analyst David Pollack defined precisely what’s unsuitable with the quarterback.
“I’m watching him throw interceptions and it’s not with strain. Prefer it’s not like he’s pressured on a regular basis,” Pollack defined. “You take a look at USF, he was hardly pressured the entire sport. Like he had a clear pocket to do injury.”
Pollack famous that Lagway nonetheless possesses elite bodily instruments. The corner-route landing he threw towards LSU confirmed arm expertise nearly as good as anybody in faculty soccer. Nevertheless, uncooked expertise doesn’t matter when a quarterback can’t persistently make sensible throws.
“I can reside with spotty accuracy. I can’t reside with horrible decision-making. And proper now, it’s horrible decision-making. And that can get you killed week in and week out,” Pollack stated.
The timing of this droop makes all the things worse for Napier. His general teaching report at Florida sits at 20-21, and he faces a brutal remaining schedule that options ranked opponents Miami, Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Florida State.
In the meantime, Florida’s protection has primarily finished its job, permitting simply 12.67 factors per sport and retaining the group in place to win. Nevertheless, Lagway’s turnovers have been the deciding consider shut losses to South Florida and LSU.
Consequently, Saturday’s sport at No. 4 Miami places Napier’s job straight on the road. The street check towards an undefeated rival may finally determine his future. Lagway should cease turning the ball over, or he’ll danger ending his coach’s tenure on nationwide tv.
