Paul Finebaum Names Potential Silver Lining After Florida’s Collapse Against Miami

Florida Gators' performance against No. 19 Miami Hurricanes was a disaster for third-year coach Billy Napier and the team, which needed to take a positive step after missing a bowl bid last season.

After sticking close to the Hurricanes in the first quarter, it was all Miami and star quarterback Cam Ward from that point on, ultimately a dominant 41-17 win for Mario Cristobal and company.

The UF program is one of the winningest in SEC history and its fans aren't used to losing quite like it has over the last three seasons, an all-losing record for the first time in program history.

Napier was already on the proverbial "hot seat" entering the season. Now he and the Gators face the toughest slate in the country with a blowout loss on their record.

For ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum, he does see, however, a silver lining for UF that could change the tide of the season and keep Napier safe in Gainesville.

“The good will? Gone. The momentum? Gone,” Finebaum said . “The one thing Billy Napier has, based on everyone with whom I’ve spoke, is DJ Lagway. If he is this superstar, and if Napier can grab a hold of him and ride through some turmoil and get to at least — I mean, what’s a respectable record — .500, right now? There’s a silver lining.”

Former five-star DJ Lagway made a brief appearance for the Gators when he replaced Graham Mertz with the game already out of reach. He complete 3-of-6 passes for 31 yards and an interception while adding 20 yards on four attempts as a ball carrier. Lagway is rated as the No. 1 QB in the nation in the 2024 class, per 247 Sports.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Lagway record his first start this season despite Mertz serving as the team's starter for the second consecutive season. The former Wisconsin transfer had a tough day against Miami, as did the entire team. The senior completed 11-of-20 passes for just 91 yards with an interception and was sacked three times.

Florida will get some breathing room next week when the Gators take on Samford. That should be a key opportunity to work out kinks and secure a win ahead of an astonishingly difficult SEC slate that includes No. 20 Texas A&M, No. 15 Tennessee, No. 1 Georgia, No. 4 Texas, No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 13 LSU.

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