Samford Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 7th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Florida Gators have reached a point where they can no longer dwell on their recent defeat. After a humiliating loss to their in-state rival, the Southeastern Conference team must now focus on turning things around. This Saturday night, they will have the opportunity to do just that as they host Samford in Gainesville, Florida.

Last week, the Gators (0-1) faced off against then-No. 19 Miami in their season opener. However, the game did not go as planned as they suffered a 41-17 defeat in front of over 90,000 fans. This was a game that Florida had marked as crucial, making the loss all the more devastating.

The pressure is now on Gators coach Billy Napier, who is in his third year with the team. With an overall record of 11-15 and a salary of over $26 million, Napier finds himself on the hot seat. The expectations for the team were high, and a 24-point loss on their home turf was not what anyone had in mind.

During a press conference on Monday, Napier addressed the areas that his team needs to improve on. He also took a dig at some of the Gator fans, urging his players to focus on their own performance rather than paying attention to negative comments on social media.

Napier's team is set to face off against the FCS-program Bulldogs (0-1) with freshman DJ Lagway as their quarterback. This comes after starter Graham Mertz suffered a concussion in the game against Miami. Lagway, who was a highly rated recruit in the class of 2024, will have big shoes to fill as he steps up to lead the team.

Wide receiver Tre Wilson has high praise for Lagway, describing him as smooth, effortless, and collected. He believes that Lagway's presence on the field will have a positive impact on the team for the rest of the season.

Samford, on the other hand, is coming off a 38-29 loss to West Georgia last Saturday. Despite rallying to take the lead in the third quarter, they ultimately fell short as the home team scored two rushing touchdowns for the win.

Head coach Chris Hatcher took responsibility for the team's performance, acknowledging that they did not play well. He believes that they have the potential to be a good team, but they need to improve in certain areas. Hatcher also gave credit to West Georgia, noting that they did not look like a team that had recently moved from the Division II ranks to the FCS.

In their last game, Samford's quarterback Quincy Crittendon had a solid performance, throwing for 302 yards and two touchdowns. However, it was not enough to secure a win as the team was outgained by West Georgia in total yards.

As the Gators and Bulldogs prepare to face off, both teams will be looking to bounce back from their respective losses. It will be an important game for Florida as they try to prove that they are still a top team in the SEC. Meanwhile, Samford will be looking to make a statement and show that they are a force to be reckoned with in the FCS division.

PREDICTION

Samford Bulldogs

Florida Gators

Samford Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Recap SEP 7TH 2024

DJ Lagway set a Florida true freshman record with 456 passing yards as the Gators walloped the Samford Bulldogs 45-7 Saturday night in Gainesville, Fla.

The SEC school's first true freshman starting quarterback since Treon Harris against Georgia on Nov. 1, 2014, Lagway went 18-for-25 with three touchdowns en route to establishing a high in yardage for a true frosh.

Montrell Johnson Jr. rushed 15 times for 67 yards and two first-half scores. Eugene Wilson III caught six passes for 141 yards and a TD and Elijhah Badger had three receptions for 123 yards for the Gators (1-1).

Quincy Crittendon was 22 of 31 for 144 yards and Brendan Jenkins caught four passes for 51 yards for the Bulldogs (0-2) from the FCS' Southern Conference.

Florida owned a 632-205 edge in total offense.

After a humbling 41-17 home loss to the rival Miami Hurricanes in its opener, Florida got a break when Aaron Gates recovered a Samford fumble at the Bulldogs 43 on the first series.

However, the Gators managed just six plays and less than 30 yards before the visitors forced a turnover on downs.

But Florida regrouped, and Lagway completed a 77-yard pass to Badger all the way to the Samford 3 that awakened the crowd after the sluggish start.

Johnson's first touchdown run closed out the drive with 2:53 left in the first quarter.

Lagway's 40-yard connection to Hayden Hansen helped set up the second, a 7-yard run by Johnson at 7:02 to put the SEC school ahead 14-0.

Florida created some separation on the first series of the second half on a four-play, 69-yard drive. Lagway lobbed a ball that Tank Hawkins hauled in for a 36-yard score just 1:07 in.

On the ensuing drive, Samford crafted its best series, traveling 75 yards in 12 plays before Damonta Witherspoon plunged in from a yard out to cut the deficit to 21-7.

Lagway found Aidan Mizell on a stop-and-go route for 41 yards with 5:52 left in the quarter. Trey Smack soon tacked on a 25-yard field goal before Wilson went 85 yards in the fourth on a short pitch from Lagway.

Aidan Warner's TD run from nine yards capped the scoring.