Billy Napier explains what happened on pick-6, fourth-down gamble
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More than half of Kentucky’s points in the 26-16 win over Florida came off UF turnovers.
Both of Anthony Richardson‘s interceptions resulted in touchdowns for the Wildcats, including a pick-six by Keidron Smith. There was a miscommunication by the Gators on that play, according to coach Billy Napier.
“Yes,” he confirmed when asked after the game. “We gave them a pick-six and a short field after an interception. Two touchdowns in the game. Ultimately, it’s hard to win when you do that. It’s a tribute to the team that you have an opportunity to win the game and overcome those things.”
Despite those picks and a turnover on downs in UF territory, Florida got another chance at a game-tying drive after UK’s Matt Ruffalo missed a 38-yard field goal with 6:13 left.
But the Gators faced another fourth down and Napier decided to go for it again, this time from their own 24-yard line. Richardson’s pass fell incomplete at the feet of Xzavier Henderson, and Ruffalo put the game away seven plays later with a 26-yarder.
Both Henderson and receiver Ricky Pearsall were open on the fourth-down call, but Richardson was off target. After the game, Napier was asked if he thought about punting in that situation.
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“We had gotten some stops. At that point of the game, you’ve got to be aggressive,” he said. “You think about where you’re on the field. You only get so many opportunities to get it back. They were chewing it up pretty good, so no question that was the right decision.”
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In other Florida football news
- The Gators dropped in the latest AP Poll following their 26-16 loss to now No. 9 Kentucky.
- Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson was fine physically in UK loss, but not mentally.
- Gators Online’s Nick de la Torre shares Five Thoughts from the Florida-Kentucky game.
- Two key starters for the Gators suffer lower-leg injuries in Saturday’s loss to Kentucky.
- What first-year head coach Billy Napier told his team following his first loss at Florida.
- What they said: Kentucky gets back-to-back wins over UF for the first time since 1976-77.
- Live updates from the Florida Gators’ 26-16 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats at The Swamp.
- WATCH: Anthony Richardson gives Tim Tebow a tour of the new $86M Florida football facility.
UF recruiting roundup
- The Florida Gators staff is going the extra mile for four-star safety Bryce Thornton.
- The Gators are gaining momentum with UCF commit John Walker following his visit.
- Elite 2024 QB DJ Lagway relishes first game day at UF: “The atmosphere was so amazing.”
- An LSU tight end commit for 2024 is keeping tabs on the Gators after landing an offer.
- Miami linebacker commit Malik Bryant makes a surprise visit to Florida on Saturday.
- Top-30 defensive lineman Jordan Hall arrives for his UF visit decked out in Gators gear.
- Another big recruiting weekend as the Gators load up on visitors for their SEC opener.
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