Quick Read
- DJ Lagway threw five interceptions in Florida’s 20-10 loss to LSU.
- Florida’s offense struggled, managing only 79 rushing yards.
- The Gators fell to 1-2 for the second straight season.
A Night to Forget for DJ Lagway
For the Florida Gators and their quarterback DJ Lagway, Saturday night’s clash against LSU in Baton Rouge was one for the record books—but not in a good way. Lagway threw a career-high five interceptions, tying a dubious milestone not seen by the Gators since 1992. As Florida stumbled to a 20-10 loss, questions about the team’s direction under head coach Billy Napier grew louder.
Lagway’s struggles were a microcosm of Florida’s larger issues. Despite controlling the clock and running 24 more offensive plays than the Tigers, the Gators couldn’t capitalize. Turnovers proved to be their undoing, with four of Lagway’s five interceptions coming on critical third-down plays. One of those interceptions, a pick-six by LSU’s Dashawn Spears, effectively sealed the game in the third quarter.
Costly Mistakes and Missed Opportunities
The Gators’ offense appeared out of sync from the start. Florida’s usually reliable run game, which had been powered by back-to-back 90-yard performances from Jadan Baugh, was stifled by LSU’s defense. The team managed just 79 yards on 27 carries, forcing Lagway to shoulder the offensive load. While he completed 33 of 49 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown, his five interceptions overshadowed any positives.
Florida had chances to shift the momentum but repeatedly shot themselves in the foot. A potential 87-yard touchdown pass from Lagway to Baugh was negated by a holding penalty, marking the team’s third touchdown-nullifying penalty in two weeks. Moments like these highlighted the Gators’ inability to execute in high-pressure situations.
Even when Florida’s defense gave the offense a lifeline—holding LSU to three consecutive three-and-outs in the first half—the Gators failed to capitalize. A 45-yard field goal by Trey Smack gave Florida an early lead, but it was short-lived. LSU responded with a touchdown drive capped by a 23-yard pass from Garrett Nussmeier to Zavion Thomas, putting the Tigers ahead for good.
A Brief Spark Amid the Chaos
Lagway showed flashes of his potential in the second quarter, orchestrating a drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell. The score marked Mizell’s first touchdown of the season and extended Lagway’s streak of games with a touchdown pass to eight. However, the momentum was fleeting. Lagway threw his second interception of the night just before halftime, setting up an LSU field goal that sent the Tigers into the locker room with a 13-10 lead.
The second half was even more brutal for Lagway and the Gators. Spears’ pick-six early in the third quarter extended LSU’s lead to 20-10, and Florida never recovered. An interception by Florida’s Dijon Johnson briefly gave the Gators hope in the fourth quarter, but Lagway squandered the opportunity with his fourth interception, a throw into triple coverage in the end zone. His fifth and final interception—a panicked lob near the sideline—sealed Florida’s fate.
What’s Next for Florida?
Saturday’s loss dropped the Gators to 1-2 for the second consecutive season and raised serious concerns about the program’s trajectory under Napier, who now holds a 20-21 record as head coach. The team’s struggles in SEC play are particularly glaring; Florida has started 0-1 in conference games in three of the last four seasons.
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Next week, the Gators face No. 5 Miami on the road, a team that defeated them in last year’s season opener. With the Hurricanes coming off a dominant 49-12 win over USF—a team that narrowly defeated Florida just a week ago—the Gators will need a near-flawless performance to avoid falling to 1-3.
For Lagway, the Miami game represents an opportunity for redemption. Despite his struggles, the sophomore quarterback has shown glimpses of the talent that made him one of the nation’s top recruits. But talent alone won’t be enough. Lagway and the Gators must find a way to limit turnovers, execute in critical moments, and reignite their sputtering offense if they hope to salvage their season.
Saturday’s game was a harsh reminder of how quickly things can unravel in college football. For Florida, the road to redemption begins with accountability, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose.