Florida coach Billy Napier, Gators dealing with 'consequence of errors'
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier prepares to exit the tunnel with his team during the season opener at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 31, 2024 against the University of Miami Hurricanes in the first half. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] Florida head coach Billy Napier played in the FCS, and that's only one small reason he's staring directly at Samford and leaving the periphery among other distractions.
"We've had a couple days of practice, obviously players are anxious to get back on the field and get this taste out of our mouth. I do think we've had a good week," Napier said.
Napier and Samford coach Chris Hatcher have known each other since Napier, a Georgia native who played at Furman, picked him up as a Clemson assistant before Hatcher spoke at a coaching clinic. Hatcher is in his 10th season at Samford and has a record of 178-100 in 24 total seasons as a coach, which includes time at Georgia Southern, Valdosta State and Murray State.
While he's not concerned with his own team's resilience, Napier said he does want to help zero in on focus areas as players fight their way through the letdown of the opening home loss to Miami.
Napier said it's critical to "remain objective" after one game.
"It's critical you shape the narrative to some degree," Napier said. "Ultimately we've got to go prove it on the grass. We've got another opportunity this Saturday."
Napier said coverage and pass rush didn't work together as they should in the loss to Miami and he wants to see more discipline as it relates to penalties. The Gators had two critical flags in the first half that helped amplify the Hurricanes' momentum.
"We've experienced the consequence of making errors when it comes to the margin of error when you play a really good opponent," Napier said. "Give some credit to Miami. I thought the quarterback (Cam Ward) had a terrific day."
--Field Level Media
Sunday November 16th Top NBA Betting Picks, Predictions
These Are the NBA's Worst Three-Point Shooters Right Now
College Football Week 12 Best Betting Picks, Predictions
- Commanders vs. Dolphins Week 11 Spain Game Top Betting Picks, Predictions
- UFC 322 Betting Preview: Two Plus-Money Plays to Target Saturday Night
- College Football Week 12 Best Betting Picks, Predictions
- Islanders vs. Mammoth Betting Preview and Prediction: November 14 Top NHL Bet
- Thursday Nov. 13 NBA Picks: Cavaliers, Jazz, and Pacers Top Bets
- Jets vs. Patriots Week 11 Thursday Night Football Top Betting Picks, Predictions
- College Basketball Best Bets Wednesday November 12: Top CBB Picks Today

