Florida picked up possibly the biggest win of the weekend in college football, blasting then-No. 11 Tennessee 29-16 in Gainesville.
The result vaulted the Gators into the AP top 25 and dropped the Vols 12 spots in the rankings. It also did something much more important for Florida head coach Billy Napier, argues ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.
Finebaum said on “The Matt Barrie Show” on Sunday that Napier earned “as big of a win as I’ve seen in a long time.”
“I’ll say this about Billy Napier, that was as big of a win I’ve seen in a long time because he was really starting to come under fire after the Utah game,” Finebaum said “And you know now everyone has calmed down and good for him because, you know, his outlook and his stock changed overnight. Credit him with an incredibly significant win.”
Florida fell 24-11 to Utah in Week 1 before blasting McNeese State 49-7 in Week 2.
In last night’s win, the Gators got a strong performance from quarterback Graham Mertz (19-of-24 passing for 166 yards, one touchdown and another rushing). Running back Trevor Etienne rushed for 172 yards and one score on 23 carries.
After what should be another win at home against Charlotte on Sept. 23, the Gators will travel to Kentucky for what should be a tough rivalry matchup on Sept. 30.
[ On3 Sports ]