Florida head coach Billy Napier held his weekly press conference today following his team’s loss to LSU over the weekend and ahead of its matchup at Miami this Saturday. After a 1-2 start to the season that included star quarterback DJ Lagway throwing five interceptions this past Saturday in Baton Rouge, Napier addressed what he sees as the path forward for the team and the individual alike.

Napier again expressed his belief that the Gators “are really, really close” to breaking through with big wins and reaching the level expected of the historic program.

“We’re close to being pretty dangerous, in my opinion,” Napier said.

“A lot of our team is excelling at a high level. We’ve gotta understand who we are and where we’re at, relative to our situation,” the head coach told reporters. “In my opinion, if we were able to get back in our rhythm offensively and generate points and yards, we’d be tough to deal with.”

To that end, Napier noted that his offense totaled 23 first downs against LSU. Paired with the excellent play of the UF defense, he thought that could have been enough to win the game.

The many UF turnovers, however, prevented such a victory.

Napier Blames Himself for Lagway Issues

Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway was the main culprit behind those turnovers, throwing five interceptions. Napier, however, shouldered responsibility for the struggles of his highly-rated passer.

“I’m always of the opinion that when a student struggles on the test, then as a teacher, you’ve got to take a good look in the mirror,” he said. “I’ve got to do a better job helping DJ in that regard.”

Napier deemed only two of the five interceptions to be particularly worrisome – the two at the end of the half when UF was in position to score.

“Every one of those situations are very correctable, and he’ll be better as a result of it,” Napier said. “One thing about him, he’s an elite competitor. He’s tough-minded. He’ll show up angry today [at practice], I can promise you that.”

Napier Addresses Job Security

Midway through his press conference, Napier was asked directly if he thinks he is now coaching for his job. He paused to think before offering his response

“I think I’m trying to solve problems,” he said. “You’re trying to find the right combinations of things to help. And look, we’re a handful of plays away from winning that game Saturday.

“A man is not defeated until he blames someone else,” Napier added. “So, I think it’s key for us to evaluate what we can do.”

UF Loses Key Defensive Lineman for Extended Period

Napier also told reporters that standout defensive lineman Caleb Banks is going to miss extended time due to re-injuring his foot in Saturday’s game. The head coach didn’t provide a specific timetable, but acknowledged that it is likely to be a while before the disruptive tackle returns.

Near the end of the press conference, a reporter asked Napier if it’s safe to assume the injury is “longer term.” Napier’s response was terse but telling.

“Yes, sir,” Napier responded.

UF plays at Miami this Saturday at 7:30 pm. ESPN’s College Gameday show will be on campus for the in-state rivalry tilt.