WATCH: Billy Napier reacts to Florida's loss against LSU
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators dropped to 1-3 in SEC play Saturday with their 45-35 loss to rival LSU. UF coach Billy Napier placed the blame on himself after the game, saying he needs to do a better job leading the team.
The Tigers scored touchdowns on their first six possessions to build a 42-21 by the third quarter, but Florida battled back in the fourth with back-to-back TD drives to make it a one-score game. Jason Marshall Jr. came up with a pick on the ensuing possession, but the turnover was negated by a questionable roughing the passer penalty on Gervon Dexter Sr.
LSU kicker Damian Ramos connected on a 47-yard field goal with 1:52 left and ultimately sealed the win for the Tigers, who improved to 5-2 and 3-1 in the SEC. Florida fell to 4-3 and had a horrendous defensive performance, allowing a season-worst 45 points, giving up more than 500 yards for the second time this year and finishing 8-of-12 on third down.
In the video below, Billy Napier discusses the fourth-quarter comeback that fell short, Florida’s third-down defense and Anthony Richardson’s 81-yard touchdown run.
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Billy Napier opening statement
“I told the team before and after the game, this is a great game that we play, right? It’s a blessing to play the game and coach the game. And the best thing about the game is the people that you get to do with, right, the players, the coaches. We got hundreds of people from a staff perspective who contribute to our team, and I’m proud to be associated with the group in that locker room, right? I get a chance to be with them every day, so. Ultimately, we didn’t do enough to win the game tonight, and when you’re in a leadership position, there’s only one answer: You’ve got to do better for the people that you’re leading. Players, staff, all the people that care and represent this University, right? You’ve got to do a better job. There’s lots of things that we can do better,” Napier said.
“Nothing fun about losing, right? And I think the most difficult part is when you’re in my chair is seeing it in the people that work so hard. So, there’s going to be a ton of things that we can do to improve. I can’t compliment — I respect the fight in the group, I respect the competitive spirit. There were many times out there tonight they could have folded their card, we fought back into the game, we got it to a one-score game. Did a lot of good things tonight, but ultimately not enough to win the game. So, it’s my job to position the team to win, to have success, and I can do my job better, right? And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m proud of the players and certainly excited about continuing to work with them. It’s a good group. It’s the best thing about the game, is the people you get to do it with. And I’ve got to do more for our team.”
