DJ Lagway has early struggles in MVP performance, sends strong message about the Florida Gators' future
The Gasparilla Bowl was a must-watch during bowl season because Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway was going to be playing. There were multiple players on both sides who weren't playing in the game due to either opt-outs or entering the transfer portal, but the nation's best young quarterback still suited up and led the Gators […]
The Gasparilla Bowl was a must-watch during bowl season because Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway was going to be playing.
There were multiple players on both sides who weren't playing in the game due to either opt-outs or entering the transfer portal, but the nation's best young quarterback still suited up and led the Gators to a 33-8 victory over the Tulane Green Wave.
The game was one that the Gators should have won by an even bigger margin. They controlled the ball for 38:57 and outgained Tulane 529 yards to 194 yards. One of the reasons why the Green Wave was still in the game was Lagway playing like a freshman.
Lagway threw two interceptions in the first half, including one in the end zone as the Gators were inside the 10-yard line. They were both simple mistakes: he didn't see the shallow defender in the zone. That's something you cannot miss as a quarterback.
However, Lagway got things straightened out. He was very patient in the pocket, escaped when he needed to and threw for 305 yards, earning himself the Gasparilla Bowl MVP award. Lagway didn't run much at all, which could stem from the hamstring injury he suffered against the Georgia Bulldogs.
That injury has arguably been the best thing that could have happened to him for his development as a passer. He grew exponentially in the pocket, making mostly really good decisions and navigating the pocket comfortably. He threw multiple precise passes down the field, including a perfect deep over to Chimere Dike.
Lagway's improvement over the season has been remarkable. He started seven games and won all six that he finished with the only loss had him up 13-6 over the Georgia Bulldogs late in the first half when he injured his hamstring.
The Gators finishing with an 8-5 record after getting blown out in their own house multiple times at the start of the season is huge for the future. Recruiting is at a fever pitch right now, including getting five-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson to flip from Oregon earlier this week. He gave Lagway a high-five on his way out of the stadium.
According to the 247 Sports Composite, the Gators currently have the 11th-ranked class, and you can argue that it's all due to Lagway's success as a true freshman. Now that the offseason is here, the Gators will be heavy on the recruiting trail, especially in the transfer portal. They just got wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant to commit on Thursday night and they likely aren't done.
With Lagway at the helm, anything is possible, including making pivotal in-game adjustments to get the win and a potential playoff berth coming in the next two seasons.
