The Florida Gators defense played well enough to win Saturday night at No. 3 LSU. But their offense, in particular their talented young quarterback, played poorly enough to lose.

The question now is, how might the self-inflicted errors that added up to a 20-10 loss affect the job security of fourth-year Florida coach Billy Napier? 

He calls the offensive plays. His quarterback, DJ Lagway, played courageously in the face of constant blitzes by the LSU defense. But five interceptions — two thrown into triple coverage, two the result of staring down receivers, one a desperation heave — directly led to 10 LSU points.

"Any time a team makes mistakes, I think it's a direct reflection of the coaching," Napier said, deflecting blame for his quarterback. "This is a team game and I know there will be a lot of dialogue and narrative about DJ, and he'll take complete ownership of the things that he can do better."

Lagway was not alone. The Gators offensive line committed five holding penalties. One infraction wiped out an 87-yard Florida touchdown. Another hold led to a 3rd-and-long that ended with a pick-six interception.

Saturday night at Death Valley was another version of last weekend's disaster at the Swamp: The Gators literally threw away their chances to win. They are now 0-1 in the Southeastern Conference and 1-2 overall.

Unfortunately for Florida, there is no time for reflection. The schedule, the nation's toughest, is unforgiving. No. 5 Miami, No. 7 Texas, and No. 16 Texas A&M are the next three opponents. 

As desperate as this moment is for Napier and the Gators, there were some things to appreciate Saturday night — especially the Gators' defensive effort.

Here are three takeaways, good and bad.

The Gators Defense Never Rests

Anchored by defensive tackle Caleb Banks, Florida's defenders held LSU to 10 first downs.

They allowed one long touchdown drive.

When LSU twice started possessions in Florida's half after interceptions, the Tigers gained only 14 and 12 yards and were forced to settle for field goals.

When LSU tight end Bauer Sharp ran 65 yards with a fourth-quarter pass and set up the Tigers at Florida's 16-yard line, the 20-10 margin seemed certain to grow and end all hope for Florida. But the Gators forced a fumble and a 17-yard loss, then harassed LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier into an interception.

And when the outcome was no longer in doubt and LSU running back Caden Durham broke free for what looked like a certain touchdown, defensive back Cormani McClain ran him down at the 3-yard line.

Those efforts, on the road against the nation's third-ranked team, will win most games.

DJ Lagway's Night to Forget

From Florida's first possession, the LSU Tigers made their intentions clear: They would blitz Florida QB Lagway early and often, sending one, two, and sometimes three extra rushers.

The plan was to speed up Lagway's decision-making, force errant passes or, even better, turnovers. It worked beautifully.

"Obviously, we were just not able to generate enough," Napier said. "I felt like when we had momentum, we had a critical penalty or we turned the ball over. So right before the half was a big (turnover) and obviously the one to make it two scores."

The Gators arguably played into LSU's hands by calling at least twice as many pass plays to running plays.

Florida adjusted with wide receiver screens and passes to running back Jaden Baugh in the spaces left open by blitzers. But third-and-long situations were treacherous, ending with four of Lagway's five picks. And they were brutal:

• With Florida ahead 3-0 in the first quarter, a drive into LSU's half ended with a throw into triple coverage.
• With the score 10-10 in the final minute of the first half, Napier decided on aggression. Lagway just missed one pick, then stared down a receiver in the middle of the field for a second interception that led to an LSU field goal.
• With the score 13-10, Lagway telegraphed a long sideline throw that was returned 58 yards for a score.

"I've never had a performance like that in my life, so it's kind of hard to process it," Lagway said.

He has a powerful arm and made some remarkable throws, none more beautiful than a feathery lob to the corner of the end zone for the Gators' only touchdown.

With any luck, Saturday night's experience was a teachable moment.

Jaden Baugh Is a Beast 

When the sophomore running back has the ball, good things happen.

And if the defenses remaining on Florida's schedule are taking notes on how to attack quarterback DJ Lagway and the Florida passing game, perhaps more Jaden Baugh is an alternative.

He had 17 touches against LSU — 10 rushes for 46 yards, seven catches for 59 yards — plus that 87-yard catch and run for a touchdown that was erased by penalty.

The fact is, Baugh punishes tacklers and sets a tone worth repeating.

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