Multiple Florida Gators rewarded for outstanding performances in upset win vs. Texas are a sign of things to come
It was an excellent performance across the board for the Gators.
The Florida Gators didn’t just beat the Texas Longhorns 29-21 and knock them out of the AP Top 25 poll, they rejuvenated their season. Head coach Billy Napier saved his job for another week with the win, and it was an impressive one for multiple reasons.
The biggest takeaways from the game weren’t with the coaching staff, nor were it with the Longhorns failing to take a step forward. It was the individual performances that brought a lot of hope back to Gainesville.
Those performances brought multiple awards to the Gators, and it’s no surprise.
Florida Gators bring home multiple Player of the Week awards
QB DJ Lagway
It felt like DJ Lagway got his swagger back on Saturday. He completed 21-28 for 298 yards and two touchdowns, but where things got better was with how he trusted his eyes, which was a problem across the previous three games. Lagway threw the ball down the field consistently (9.5 yards aDOT), which helps to have Dallas Wilson
“I think he’s a great teammate. And I think what motivates him is, is doing his job for his guys,” said Napier about Lagway. “I think ultimately that’s when he’s at his best, when that’s consuming him, and he’s grinding throughout the week and he’s studying the opponent, he’s taking care of himself, he’s working in practice. He flips that switch and kind of gets into that competitive spirit in practice. And I think we kind of saw it on Wednesday of this week. I would say it was the first time I kind of saw he can kind of get in that place. In general, I think he’s a great teammate, and one who wants to be loyal, wants to come through for his guys. And I think ultimately, that’s what showed up out there today.”
WR Dallas Wilson
Wilson didn’t just have a great day; it was a historic one. He had the most receptions, yards, and touchdowns for any Gators player in their first start, and was a dominant force on the field. He didn’t just look like a really good player; Wilson looked like a star.
“Man, he’s a he’s a specimen, said Lagway about Wilson. “Man, he’s a great player to have on the field. I told him, anytime you press, they expect the ball is coming your way. He’s just a great player to have on the team. And it’s good to see him out there, balling out.”
WR Taylor Spierto
The Gators were already up 10 at the end of the second quarter when they forced the Longhorns to punt, and Spierto came in unblocked and blocked the punt, going through the back of the end zone for a safety. Special teams make special teams, and it was a key play to extend the lead enough for the Gators to keep a big lead.
These performances are going to come in huge as they continue building momentum over the course of the season. They have the Texas A&M Aggies this Saturday, and a win in College Station could vault the Gators back into the national discussion.
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