Napier
Florida Gators Head Coach Billy Napier looks at the crowd moments before a Gators touchdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Napier became the ninth coach with 50 or more wins since 2018. (Augustus Hoff/WRUF)

UF’s Napier: Positive Results vs. Vanderbilt Before Another Road Test

Florida’s football team is improving day by day, Gators coach Billy Napier said during his weekly news conference Monday.

“You just don’t get to the top of a mountain in one day,” Napier said.

Despite having an undefeated home record this season, the Gators have had their share of ups and downs. After losing their season opener at Utah, the Gators went on to win their next three home games, even upsetting ranked Tennessee to earn a spot in the AP Poll Top 25.

However, a loss to Kentucky two weeks ago knocked them back out.

So, how do the Gators move forward?

Getting Gritty

“It’s going to require a tremendous amount of work,” Napier said. “I think you gotta stretch yourself. You gotta get uncomfortable. It’s gonna be harder than you thought it was going to be. I think it’s important that we keep a good attitude toward learning.”

The Gators are standing at a 4-2 overall, 2-1 in the SEC, and Napier is looking forward to what the rest of the season holds.

“We’re excited about turning the page. I think every week is a new week. There’s mental toughness required whether you had success the prior week or you had failure the prior week. Getting started on the next challenge is important.”

Although their morale is high, the Gators are no strangers to what they need to improve if they want to continue to be successful this season.

“I do think it’s important that we understand that even though we got a good result, there are some areas we need to improve. Whether that’s communication, fundamentals, decision-making. A lack of discipline at times when it comes to penalties, but overall we did a lot of positive things.”

The Gators look to continue their momentum at Columbia, S.C., when they take on the Gamecocks (2-3, 1-2) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The SEC Network is providing coverage along with ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF.

Notes:  Tight end Arlis Boardingham was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week on Monday following his two-touchdown day in UF’s 38-14 win over Vanderbilt last Saturday. … The Gators will enjoy an open date next week before the annual grudge match in Jacksonville against Georgia at 3:30 p.m. (CBS, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF)  Oct. 28.

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