2024 Florida Football Postgame Notes
Florida 48, Kentucky 20
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field – Gainesville, Fla.
OPENING DRIVE: FIRST UF TRUE FRESHMAN BACKFIELD PROPELS HOMECOMING W
- Florida started a true freshman at both quarterback (DJ Lagway) and running back (Jadan Baugh)
for the first team in program history, and is the first FBS program to do so far this season. - In his first-career start, true freshman RB Jadan Baugh scored the first-five rushing touchdowns of his
career and finished with 22 carries for 106 yards (first-career 100-yard game).
o Baugh’s five rushing TDs are tied for most in program history (Trey Burton vs. UK in 2010, Tim
Tebow vs. South Carolina in 2007) and are the most ever by a Gator in his first-career start. - Baugh became the first UF true freshman with at least three rushing TDs in a game since QB Trey
Burton also had five vs. Kentucky on Sept. 25, 2010 (five ties true freshman record).
o Baugh is the first UF true freshman running back with multiple rushing TDs in a game since
Malik Davis on Sept. 30, 2017 vs. Vanderbilt (two). - Week 8 vs. UK marked the 10th-straight sellout in The Swamp and the 14th of the Billy Napier era.
- With tonight’s victory over Kentucky, Florida improves to 72-26-2 all-time on homecoming.
- The Gators are 30-5 in their last 35 homecoming games including six-straight HC victories.
OFFENSIVE NOTES - Florida scored its most points (48) against a Power Four opponent in the Napier era.
- The Gators eclipsed 45 points for the third time this season (second in SEC play).
- Making his second-career start, true freshman QB DJ Lagway threw for 259 yards and one
interception on 7-for-14 passing and finished with a 191.1 rating.
o Lagway led his third 90-plus yard scoring drive of the season. - After going for 40 yards tonight, WR Eugene Wilson III passed 800 career receiving yards.
- WR Elijhah Badger recorded a reception for the 33rd-consecutive game with a 50-yard grab to set
up a TD in the second quarter (10th-longest streak nationally). - Badger reached 100 yards receiving for the second time this season (sixth of career), finishing with
three catches for a career-high 148 yards (49.3 YPC).
o Each of Badger’s three grabs went for 40-plus yards (50, 58, 40). - WR Taylor Spierto hauled in a career-high 20 yards on a fourth-quarter grab from QB Aidan Warner.
- The Gators totaled the most yards in a game (476) and in one half (first – 313) vs. Kentucky this
season as the Wildcats have allowed just one 300-yard game to an opponent all year (Ole Miss).
o Florida is the first team to total 400 yards against Kentucky. - Florida scored its most points in a quarter (24) of the Napier era in the second quarter.
- The Gators set a season high with five rushing TDs.
- Florida threw a passing touchdown for the sixth-straight game.
o In 25 of 32 games in the Napier era, Florida has registered at least one passing touchdown. - Florida eclipsed 100 yards rushing for the sixth time in seven games this season.
o The Gators have rushed for 100-plus yards in 26 of their last 32 games since 2022. - Florida has punched in a rushing TD in six of seven games this year and 26 of 32 contests since 2022.
- Florida scored 30 points for the third time this season and 16th time since 2022.
- The Gators eclipsed 400 yards of offense for the third time this season and 15th time since 2022.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
● Florida posted its first three-interception game since Nov. 28, 2020 vs. Kentucky.
● Florida recorded multiple interceptions (three) for the first time since Oct. 29, 2022 vs. Georgia.
● The Gators posted multiple takeaways for the second-straight game.
● Florida has registered a takeaway in six of seven games for a total of nine on the season.
● The Gators have produced at least one turnover in 23 of 32 games in the Napier era.
● CB Cormani McClain nabbed a pick-six in his Gators debut as the first UF player with an
interception returned for a TD in 25 games (Jaydon Hill vs. Missouri – Oct. 8, 2022).
● EDGE George Gumbs Jr. logged his first-career pass breakup to force a punt on UK’s second drive.
● DB Trikweze Bridges nabbed his fifth-career interception including his first as a Gator.
o Bridges led Florida with 10 tackles to tie his career high.
● Florida surpassed its interception total from last season (three) in just seven games this year (six).
● DB Devin Moore followed with his second-career interception (first of season) and returned it 52
yards to set up RB Jadan Baugh’s third TD of the first half.
o Moore finished with a career-high seven tackles (five solo) and two pass breakups.
● DE Jack Pyburn set a career high with eight tackles (four solo).
● DB Aaron Gates recorded a fourth-quarter tackle-for-loss to increase his season total to 3.0.
o Gates finished with four total tackles and one pass breakup.
● Florida held its opponent to under 200 passing yards for the 14th time in the Napier era.
● Since 1996, the Gators are sixth nationally in interceptions with an SEC-leading 418.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
● P Jeremy Crawshaw punted four times for an average of 50.8 yards, highlighted by two of 50-plus
yards, one inside the 20-yard line and a long of 60.
o Crawshaw has punted for 50-plus yards on 65 of 157 career punts.
● K Trey Smack went 2-for-2 on field goals, hitting from 29 and 33 yards out.
EXPLOSIVE PLAYS (13)
● QB DJ Lagway: 13-yard rush, first quarter
● WR Eugene Wilson III (from QB DJ Lagway): 49-yard reception, first quarter
● RB Ja’Kobi Jackson: 11-yard rush, first quarter
● QB DJ Lagway: 22-yard rush, first quarter
● WR Elijhah Badger (from Lagway): 50-yard reception, second quarter
● RB Jadan Baugh: 27-yard rush, second quarter
● WR Elijhah Badger (from Lagway): 58-yard reception, second quarter
● RB Jadan Baugh: 10-yard TD rush, second quarter
● WR Chimere Dike: 23-yard reception, third quarter
● WR Chimere Dike: 44-yard reception, third quarter
● WR Elijhah Badger: 40-yard reception, fourth quarter
● RB Jadan Baugh: 16-yard rush, fourth quarter
● WR Taylor Spierto (from QB Aidan Warner): 20-yard reception, fourth quarter
SERIES UPDATES
● Today’s game represented the 75th all-time meeting between Florida and Kentucky and 36th
meeting in Gainesville.
● With tonight’s victory, the Gators improve to 54-21 (.720) in the all-time series vs. the Wildcats and
30-6 (.833) in Gainesville.
o Florida has won 34 of the last 38 meetings in the series including wins in 21 of the last 23 in
The Swamp.
- HC Billy Napier improves to 1-2 against UK HC Mark Stoops as head coaches.
THE STREAK
● Florida has scored in 455-consecutive games – an NCAA record and 54 games longer than any
other college football team in history.
o Florida broke Michigan’s record of 365-straight games (1984-2014) vs. LSU on Oct. 7, 2017.
o The last time Florida was shut out was on Oct. 29, 1988 vs. Auburn (L, 16-0).
GAME DETAILS
● Florida Game Captains: #65 OL Brendan Crenshaw-Dickson, #3 DB Jason Marshall Jr., #94 DE
Tyreak Sapp
● Coin Toss: Kentucky won the toss and deferred, Florida defended the south endzone.
● Attendance: 89,906 (10th-consecutive sellout)
University of Florida Football
Media Conference
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Gainesville, Florida, USA
Coach Billy Napier
Press Conference
Florida 48, Kentucky 20
BILLY NAPIER: Okay, I think the thing I’m most proud of
would be the resiliency of that team. This is a resilient
group. Obviously been through quite a bit throughout the
season.
I would tell you that it really matters to them in terms of
how they represent the University of Florida. Obviously a
big deal to play in homecoming. Had a ton of people back
this weekend. Incredible weekend recognizing the ’84
team.
I would tell you, this group they felt like they had maybe let
the place down, let people down in terms of how we played
earlier in the year. They took that personal and it was
important to them to do that better.
The last couple times we been able to play at home I think
they’ve done better in that regard. How hard we play and
the way we compete and being a great teammate has got
to be in our DNA.
These guys have proven that over time that that could be
effective if we do those things, and every person matters.
Not just what you see out there tonight. We have so many
people contribute. About 250 people that contribute to
what we do.
Tonight we won the turnover margin. We played really
good on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Thought the defense was really good on conversion
downs. The momentum plays in the game, fourth down
stops, and obviously Montrell being out, for Jadan Baugh
to step up, with Graham being injured and out for the year
for DJ to step up, and a really good defensive performance
outside of the kickoff return and the flea-flicker, I thought
those guys played really strong.
We played complementary ball. Again, I think we probably
played our best football of the year, and I’m really proud of
the resiliency of that group.
What do we have?
Q. You haven’t had a ton of feel-good victories. This
was in a way up there, top of the list maybe. Does that
feel good for you given the struggles that you have
gone through, this team has gone through?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think what makes me happy is
when I see players who have worked extremely hard for a
long time and maybe don’t get the self-gratification of
winning.
I think resiliency is essentially just being mentally tough
and having the ability to overcome setbacks, to work
through difficult times, to have an identity.
Look, that’s what I would say about our team, is they
continue to work. They were solution-oriented. Nobody
pointed a finger. We went through a challenge last
Saturday night. We had a locker room of guys that were
hurt. We could have easily splintered at that point, but we
didn’t.
We probably got stronger and worked Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday as good as we have all year. We
cannot forget what got the result that we experienced
tonight. That’s the most important part.
Q. You were without a quarterback with like 50 starts
almost, a running back with 35 plus probably, two 19
year olds, one who just turned 19 last week I think,
step in. What does that say just about them and the
way they were prepared?
BILLY NAPIER: Uh-huh, first of all, both were elite players
coming out of high school that we worked extremely hard
to prove this was the right fit for them.
We had a vision for what they could accomplish here,
person, student, and player, and a ton of people
contributed to that.
Both come from great families. Both have humility. Their
work ethic is second to none, and they’ve been able to
observe veteran players that do it exactly the way you
would want a guy to do it.
So for Jadan Baugh to observe Montrell Johnson since
January, for DJ Lagway to observe Graham Mertz, that
impacted tonight as much as anything.
They’re obviously talented, and we have a lot of other
young players that are capable of the same things.
They stepped up in a major way.
Q. Just DJ, his big-play propensity, I think seven
completions. I think he averaged 37 a completion.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, no, 191 quarterback rating I think,
which is definitely winning football. Created some
explosives. You know, maybe one black eye was the pick.
Probably forced that one into coverage.
Made some plays with his feet, too. That gets overlooked.
The read element in the run game, and then there are a
few where they covered and he scrambled and was able to
make some plays. He’s only going to get better.
Obviously the work that he does between Sunday to
Saturday contributes to what you see out there.
Q. Coach, three fourth down stops, three turnovers.
Seems to be a pretty good month for the defense.
What has continued to evolve, do you think, on that
side of the ball? Is there even a chance for another
gear with another open week?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think we got good kids, man. I
mean, that’s at the root of all that. I could talk about the
technical part, but it comes down to a selfless group that
was solution-oriented, didn’t point a finger.
Obviously disappointed how we played early in the year.
The staff took ownership. We had really good leadership
at the player level. There was collaboration there. I think
in the open date we said, hey, but put the ball down, let’s
call it, and we got to work on our between-play process.
And then we just played better fundamental football. We
played harder, and I think the players took ownership of
that. Again, it goes back to what I said in here after game
one. They were embarrassed. Were we were
embarrassed. So we had a decision to make, and I think
obviously just really proud of the players.
At the core, they want to do it the right way.
Q. Your players seem most excited about that pick six
by Cormani McClain. What does that say about what
he’s been through? Been pretty well documented.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah.
Q. To see that out of him and how he’s progressed
since he’s been here. Just how exciting of a moment
was that?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, when Cormani was on the scout
team early in the season he would intercept a couple
passes every day. I would just tell the staff like hey, this
guy is down here, he got here mid-summer. Doesn’t know
as much but he can play man coverage.
Ultimately Jason goes down and then ultimately here we
go. We’re down Ja’Keem and here we go, Cormai McClain
is on the field.
He made an incredible play down here in this corner, the
end zone right there, that PBU. So the guy, he’s got a long
way to go. Let’s don’t put the crown on the guy’s head right
now. But he stepped up.
Guy got injured and he was able to go in there and do his
job in a critical moment. He’s got great instincts. I think
there is more room for growth. That’s what I would say.
I think ultimately he’s matured, cleaning stuff up a little bit.
He’s a rookie. Yeah, ultimately got to continue to do what
you’re supposed to do and good things will happen.
Q. And the early prognosis on Jason? We’re not
going to get an availability report from you for a couple
weeks. Any early indication of what that was and also
Devin Moore, just how is he? I know he was able to
return to the contest.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, no, we’ll have an injury report for
you. It’s going to be a while, right? We won’t play for — be
another ten days or so before we’ll get you one. But we’ll
get it to you when we get there.
Q. (No microphone.)
BILLY NAPIER: No comment.
Q. The score was 13 to 6 before the goal line stand
and then you guys score on the ensuing possession.
How critical that was stretch right there?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, no, those are the momentum plays
in the game. I mean, if I’m not mistaken, maybe after the
interception, too. If I’m not right. For them to put the fire
out after the takeaway, I mean, that was where the
momentum shifted a little bit.
They had it. Definitely could have been a tie game there.
They go for it; don’t get it; we’re able to turn it around.
And for DJ to bounce back and overcome that, that’s part
of it as well. That’s the kind of complementary football, we
got to be that type of team for sure.
Q. And then they come out, score on the opening
drive of the second half to make it a one-score game.
Then your defense, I think three (indiscernible) run
downs in the fourth quarter on the pick six. How do
you think they responded to that touchdown?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, we had trouble getting off the field
on that possession. They converted on a couple third
downs, fourth down and one. A really nice play call on
their part leaking the tight end out.
But, yeah, we were in position. I think in that possession
we had a couple chances to finish on the quarterback. We
didn’t quite get it done. Couple scrambles.
So, yeah, I think in this league, man, you better be ready to
go. Every possession counts, so definitely that was a big
turning point. Those fourth down stops are huge.
Q. Earlier this year you mentioned that one of the
things that really frustrated you was the inability to
establish a run game. To be able to do that against
this defense, how much of a relief is that to kind of get
it going, especially against such a good team?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, our guys up front continue to get a
little better. I think we’re playing good around them. We
settled in. We ran it good last week, you know. I think
here for a couple weeks in a row — look, it comes down to
having a good plan, having a hat for a hat, and then got a
ton of people this contribute to the run game.
Not just the offensive line. The tight ends, receivers,
obviously the quarterback in the middle of that as well. If
we’re going to be a contender we’re going to have to be
really good up front on both sides.
I think we’re seeing that last two games in particular
against good personnel and competition. So we need to
continue to do that. You got to recruit the height, length,
athletic ability. I think we worked hard to do that. We got
the body types in here. Hopefully they can continue to play
well.
Q. On day one you talked about wanting to play
complementary football here. You mentioned that a
couple times tonight. Is this kind of what you
envisioned?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think we fed off each other to
some degree. We stepped up for each other to some
degree. When I say complementary football, I’m just
saying in this league, each part of your team is going to
have to go blow for blow.
Every matchup is different. There is certain spots on your
team where maybe you’re at a disadvantage or certain
parts of the team where you’re at an advantage.
I thought we fed off each other at times tonight. That’s an
important part.
Q. Defensively you guys have played lights out on
third down. What can you attribute that to this last
three weeks?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, we mixed it up a little bit. We played
a little bit more zone tonight. I think we guessed right. I
think the staff had a really good plan.
We did meet our goal in conversion downs, third and fourth
downs, so that was a big piece. And look, we’re close to
even more. You know, I think ultimately the rush and the
coverage are starting to work together a little bit better.
We’re landing. We’re starting to affect the quarterback.
I mean, how many times tonight did we not sack him but
made him move around? We flushed him. So we’re
covering him a little bit longer and experience the rush plan
is working and it’s landing quicker. I think a combination of
those two is what you’re seeing.
Q. Cam Carroll was able to get into the game late
tonight. Just as a coach and seeing what he’s been
through, his injury and setbacks and the whole rehab
process, what does that feel like to see him go out
there and not just run on to the field but get some
carries, too?
BILLY NAPIER: No, Cam is one of the best human beings
we have in the building. He’s been unbelievable from day
one. He still has a voice on our team. He has a leadership
role. He affects our team in a positive way.
And again, the toughness that he showed on his road to
recovery I think has been — look, there is still more for him
to accomplish in terms of his recovery.
Cam is as good as we got. I’m proud of him in general. I
know his teammates, it means a lot to his teammates as
well.
Q. Some really nice wrinkles, unbalanced line, DJ
under center, Jack Pyburn at fullback. How much of
that is the development of DJ going from last week to
this week and maybe just a natural progression there,
or how much is some tweaks to try to change some
things up?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, well, we used to tackle over stuff in
the low — in the red area, right where all of a sudden is
becomes a man-to-man games and you’re trying to create
an extra gap.
Then obviously given what happened to us last week, I
think we felt like — you know, we carry those type of plays
each week. We just had those scenarios tonight. Look,
Jack was lights out. You know, I think it’s a factor. Pyburn,
he’s made our team better.
We got some guys on our team that the Slaughters, the
Pyburns, the George Gumbs, Sapp. We got some guys
that are very vocal have character and have showed good
leadership. Pyburn is in that, and he has a future of as a
fullback if he can’t play on the edge.
Q. Billy, couple field goals early. Patience, patience,
very important. Then you hit them with a couple long
bombs to Badger. How important was that to get those
long passes opening up the run game? I thought that
was a very key factor in what you were able to do
offensively.
BILLY NAPIER: You know, we felt going into the game
that maybe there was a lack of respect for the deep part of
the field. It turned out to be true.
I think obviously Badger had an unbelievable day, some
elite catches. Finished one off there on third down. But
just his ability to make the contested catch, the vertical
threat, and then obviously DJ laid those in the basket.
Those were elite throws. We knew we had that. That was
the plan going into the game was really challenge them
with three-level shots. We didn’t land some early, but then
it started to work. Definitely contributed to the run game.
Q. Obviously big win tonight. A lot of momentum
going into the bye week. From here it’s not going to
get easier. A lot of ranked opponent coming up. How
are you looking to build on what you saw tonight in
terms of the positive performances and keep the
momentum alive?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, I’m excited about the open date
being here and our opportunity to get healthy a little bit. I
think we been through the grinder a little bit. We’re beat up
a little bit.
So it’ll be great for our guys to — some of these guys that
weren’t able to play tonight to kind of turn those guys
around and get them in the return to play and those guys to
be available. We were a little thin in some spots out there
tonight, but ultimately this open date comes at a good time.
In this league you better have depth, and down the stretch
I think the open date will provide opportunities for us to
work with some of those players that are going to be critical
pieces relative to that depth.
Q. How would you evaluate DJ’s progression through
the offense since compared to the start of the season
now that he’s seen some of the top defenses from the
SEC, just from reading the defense and making the
right decision with the football?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, he gets better every day. I mean,
he learns something every day. I think if we just — I mean,
I think we probably should put it on paper. Like what that
guy — what those quarterbacks do from Sunday to
Saturday, the amount of time they spend preparing.
This is a game that’s about preparation, especially when
you’re a signal caller and you’re processing every play,
making decisions every play. But I just see his growth has
been — I think he’s improved fundamentally. I think his
football intelligence has improved. I think he’s become a
really good communicator.
And he has a knack. He’s a competitor. You got to be
tough minded. You got to be willing to continue to show
up. I think he’s obviously done that. He’ll just keep getting
better. I believe that.
Q. Devin Moore, a lot of injury issues. Tonight he sure
didn’t look like he was full speed. Just everywhere.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah.
Q. What has his process been like to get to a night like
this?
BILLY NAPIER: First of all, Devin had an unbelievable
off-season. He’s been injured since he got here. I think he
renewed his commitment to the off-season, changing his
body, addressing some areas where he’s been banged up.
And then he’s been available. He’s played. So he’s
gaining experience. He has elite traits. I think he’s 6’2″
and three quarters, 195, 200 pounds, and a very bright kid.
He makes the most of the experience.
So yeah, we’re definitely better when he’s out there. But
he’s a tough dude. This guy last week, he did some things
to return to the game, you know, and then ultimately
sucked it up. Critical block on some of the punt returns.
He just continues to show up. He’s a good one for sure.
Q. You ever had a guy score five touchdowns?
BILLY NAPIER: I don’t think the Gators have had a guy
score five, right?
Q. Tied the record.
BILLY NAPIER: Pretty good company there I would say.
All right, guys, thank you all.
