Billy Napier booed by Florida fans following loss to Texas A&M
The hits keep on coming for Billy Napier and his tenure as the Florida head coach, one that seems less and less likely to continue. After a rather uncompetitive loss to Texas A&M on Saturday, Gators faithful let him know how they felt.
First there was chanting in the stands to “Fire Billy!” as the Aggies took a 20-0 lead just before the half. And then, after a 33-20 loss to the Aggies, the smattering of Florida fans remaining made their displeasure heard.
As Napier walked off the field, the boos rained down.
The fans also booed Napier earlier when, at the half, he was part of a pre-recorded PSA on drinking and driving.
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Suffice to say, the Gators are ready for something different — and making it known.
After the game, Napier addressed the negativity, and saying he understands it, and that it’s just a price of admission for working the job he has.
“I have no negative comment about that,” he said. “Ultimately, when you play a certain way in this arena, you’re gonna be criticized. This is one of those places where there’s history and tradition and expectations and a lot of really good football teams have played in this stadium in the past. When you play ugly ball, and maybe it didn’t look like we all wanted it to, it comes with the territory. So I probably would’ve done the same thing.”
Saturday was also potentially a time for Florida to play with some desperation, to make a statement that there was life and a path forward for this plan. It’s something at least famed Gator alum spoke about wanting to see on “The Paul Finebaum Show” on Friday.
“It’s an interesting time but I think this game is critical,” Tim Tebow said. “Do I think Florida is a better football team than Texas A&M? I don’t know. Probably not when you watch the film. But, I don’t know that this game is just about who’s better. Obviously that matters but I think what also matters is the desperation that you play with. And I think Florida has to play with desperation. I think they have to coach with desperation. And I think both of these teams, it’s pivotal. It’s so important, both losing Week 1, having a chance to bounce back, in an SEC game — especially with A&M having a little bit of an easier schedule in front of them. This is pivotal for both teams, for both staffs, but I think there’s more pressure on Florida and I also think because of that, they’re going to play with more of a desperation and I’m excited to see what that looks like.”
Now, though, Tebow might be singing a different tune — and one much closer to what he fellow Gators voiced on Saturday.