No player is more important to Billy Napier's future at Florida than quarterback DJ Lagway.
The fabulous freshman will get a chance to save Napier's job in November while facing four ranked teams, beginning Saturday against No. 2 Georgia in nearby Jacksonville. If Lagway plays like he did in his two previous starts, the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" could turn into a welcome back celebration for Napier.
Lagway and the Gators 4-3, 2-2 Southeastern Conference are trying to end a three-game skid in the series and give Napier a much-needed victory against a ranked team and a rival. Napier is 2-12 against ranked opponents in three seasons and 1-9 against rivals Georgia, Florida State, LSU, Miami and Tennessee.
Napier's tenure in Gainesville felt over after lopsided losses to Miami and Texas AM in the first month of the season. But three wins in his last four games and signs of progress on both sides of the ball have given Napier a chance to alter his fate.
Although oddsmakers installed Florida as a 16 1/2-point underdog against Georgia, Lagway provides the Gators with more than a puncher's chance to knock off the Bulldogs 6-1, 4-1. He's been just that good in limited work.
