What they said following the Gators' 52-17 win over EWU

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — You need to win games the way you’re supposed to win them. The Florida Gators had a chance to do that in week two against USF and failed. Sunday, they beat FCS Eastern Washington the way they should have, 52-17.

The week was not like any other. Southwest Florida was devastated by Hurricane Ian, forcing the game to move to Sunday — the first time Florida has played on a Sunday since the 1977 Sun Bowl against Texas A&M. It was a long, emotional week but UF came out on top.

Here is everything Billy Napier, the Gators and the Eagles had to say after the game.

EWU head coach Aaron Best on his team’s performance

“I thought we moved the sticks. Third down we were actually moving the sticks to get a new set of chains. Different vibe and feeling overall. I know the end result is the same but we played way better ball today, not necessarily on a short week, but on a different week. Not too many times has this University played on Sunday let alone played across county on Sunday against an upper echelon team. We held our own for pockets. We did some good things.”

Napier on FCS teams

Billy Napier played at FCS Furman, so the Gators head coach has a deep appreciation for that level of football.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for that level of football. You know, when I think about FCS even Group of Five to some degree, right, a large percentage of the players that are on those teams, they’re playing because they love to play, right. I mean a large percentage of those guys, they’re not going to the National Football League, they’re playing football because they love the game. And I think that’s the thing I respect. You know, Eastern Washington is in the last 5, 6, 7 years, it’s proven to be one of the best programs in FCS. So, the playoff model, you know, back when I played we had 16 teams, I think they got a few more than that now. You know, it’s a unique deal and the best thing about it is you got a bunch of guys that are playing football because they love to play the game.”

Jakobie James on his touchdown catch

“I mean, it was an amazing moment. You come to this field, The Swamp, and you see everybody, see the crowd, you see the environment that we’re in, and it’s just an amazing experience. To get a touchdown in the swamp, I’m going to be telling my grandkids about that. So, it’s always an amazing experience. Gunner gave me the opportunity to go down and get that touchdown.”

Marlon Jones on playing in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium vs. the Gators

“This experience was amazing. As a kid I always dreamed of playing in the big stadiums. Coming here was everything I imagined. The moment wasn’t too big, we prepared, and we just came out there and played the best we could, competed every snap, and I believe that there’s only room for growth from here.”

Tyreak Sapp on nearly coming up with a fumble

“My teammate Princely, to his defense, he said he didn’t see me there. He ended up reaching out and playing it, pulling it towards himself. Unfortunately, they ended up recovering it and getting back possession. I told myself I’m gonna cry later. I’m gonna replay that in my mind a couple times. I know that opportunity will come up again and I’m just going to stay humble and stay hungry. If I have to make that opportunity come, strip sack, I know I’m going to. I’ve never felt that pay dirt feeling so when I get that feeling I know it’s going to be incredible.”