Paul Finebaum credits Billy Napier for changing his outlook, stock with win vs. Tennessee

Paul Finebaum had to give his props to Florida head coach Billy Napier following the Gators’ upset win over Tennessee.

Gainesville went nuts after the biggest win of Napier’s tenure with Florida. In fact, it gave the Gators a much needed perception boost, exactly what Finebaum thought.

It was quite the turnaround for Florida under Napier following the season opening loss to Utah.

“I’ll say this about Billy Napier, that was as big of a win I’ve seen in a long time because he was really starting to come under fire after the Utah game,” Finebaum said on The Matt Barrie Show. “And you know now everyone has calmed down and good for him because, you know, his outlook and his stock changed overnight. Credit him with an incredibly significant win.”

The Florida defense really stood out in the 29-16 win. It limited a high power Volunteers’ attack.

“I think it was difficult early, right,” Napier said postgame. “We moved the ball down into the red area. It forced us to kick a field goal. We missed the field goal. And then they just go straight down the field and score. 

“So that’s when you know I think you’re onto something when you see a group rally and continue to work and stick together. Some of those intangibles that we’ve built showed up tonight. I think ultimately there was adversity in the beginning.”

On the flip side, Florida had a decent night from Graham Mertz throwing the football: he was safe. He finished 19-of-24 passing for 166 yards and a touchdown, as well as another on the ground.

On the ground, Trevor Etienne ran away from the Tennessee defense. He had 23 carries for 172 yards and a touchdown. Montrell Johson scored one as well.

“I can’t say the amount of work that’s been done since we hit the ground here, okay,” Napier said. “Look, I know we haven’t won as many games as we’d like to win, but the amount of work our people have done since we hit the ground here until today. 

“Obviously we have a lot of work left to do. You want to see your people experience some success, right, see the fruits of their labor. And I’m not just talking about the players. I’m talking about the adults too, right? So we worked hard. And that’s the thing that it gives you is it validates your plan, it validates what you’re selling, to some degree, the things that you continue to harp on.”