Billy Napier provides his thoughts on potential changes to Florida-Georgia rivalry
Florida versus Georgia is one of the biggest rivalries in all of college football, a game that has been played at a neutral site in Jacksonville, FL since 1933. UGA head coach Kirby Smart has expressed that he’d would prefer for that rivalry to be a home and home matchup instead, and at SEC media day new Florida head coach Billy Napier was asked for his opinions on the matter.
“You know I got asked that question earlier, I think the big thing is I want to experience the game first. I’d like to see that game in Jacksonville, experience that game before I have an opinion on that. But you know there’s a lot of credibility to both right, a home and home obviously would be fantastic but there’s also some tradition there, there’s a rivalry there,” Napier said.
The game has been nicknamed the “world’s largest outdoor cocktail party” and has only not been played in Jacksonville seven times due to the construction of a new stadium. According to the Mayor of Jacksonville, game is slated to be played until 2023, with an option to extend to 2025. Smart views the current format as a missed opportunity, and with 2023 right around the corner it’ll be interesting to see if the the rivalry changes locations in the near future.
“Time will tell, I agree that’s above my pay grade but I’m looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the game,” Napier said.
Billy Napier explains respect for Kirby Smart, Stetson Bennett
Florida coach Billy Napier has a ton of respect for two Georgia Bulldogs he’s crossed paths with in the past — Kirby Smart and Stetson Bennett.
First, Napier and Smart spent time together on Nick Saban’s Alabama staff during their coaching journey, and it’s obvious the current Georgia coach’s character was evident to Napier.
“Nothing but respect for Kirby. Guy is an unbelievable football coach, leader. He’s a fantastic person. Unbelievable competitor,” stated the Florida coach at SEC Media Days. “I’ll tell you, first time I saw him was at our first SEC meeting and I told him, I said, ‘Congratulations.’ Because I know what goes into that. I’m proud of the guy, just to be quite honest.
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“He’s done it, and he’s done it the right way. It’s going to be great to compete against him.”
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Continuing, Napier and Bennett would’ve been tearing up the Sun Belt Conference in another life. Originally, Bennett planned to play for the Ragin’ Cajuns under Napier’s guidance, but instead took his shot with Georgia.
Everything worked out in the end for everyone involved, and the Gators leader had nothing but positive things to say about Bennett.
“It’s pretty awesome to turn the television on and see that guy playing quarterback for the Dawgs,” stated Napier. “He was committed to the University of Louisiana. Got an opportunity to go back and play, had the confidence.
“I mean, you think about his character and his confidence in his abilities. Fantastic player and a great leader. Certainly I can see why Georgia took him.”
As you can see, there’s a ton of admiration between Billy Napier and both Kirby Smart and Stetson Bennett, but there will be no love between them when the Gators and Bulldogs have their showdown on October 29.