Line of Scrimmage: Taking a look at the Florida Gators feat. Cam Parker of Sports Illustrated

The rivalry between the Florida State Seminoles and the Florida Gators certainly has a flare for the dramatics. The matchup began in 1958 and was one that was largely dominated by the Gators early. As the Seminoles continued to build their football program, the showdown evened out and has produced many core memories for both sides of the feud. From massive comebacks to national title implications, the game, despite the records, typically brings out the fierce dislike for each other.

Florida won last year’s matchup in the infamous “flag-planting” game. Head coach Mike Norvell was not pleased about the outcome and his team has the opportunity to exact payback today by bringing home some sod. Overall, the Gators hold a 38-28-2 record in the matchup.

It’s been a rough year in Tallahassee, but an even rougher season in Gainesville. What should fans expect? Cam Parker of SI’s Gators Illustrated breaks down the Gators and their season:

This season has obviously not played out how Florida and the fans have hoped, though many believed under Napier that the team was destined to fail this season. In your opinion, what was Napier’s biggest fault?

His biggest fault was his refusal to change. He had multiple opportunities to hire an offensive coordinator and chose not to. He had multiple opportunities to hire established coordinators and assistants offensively, but chose to promote within. He was his own downfall. I give him credit for trusting himself, but sometimes the best quality someone can have is to admit defeat when what you are doing isn’t working. They saw last year’s four-game winning streak to end the season as a chance to build on what they had rather than take a look at what could be. Refusal to change cost him his job.

Quarterback DJ Lagway came into this season with an incredible amount of hype. The sophomore is uber-talented but has failed to live up to expectations this year, especially in the interception department. We know there are some injuries but what else has contributed to his struggles? Is there any part of his game that you feel he has improved this season?

Poor coaching and true lack of development. The injuries certainly did not help, but he’s been relatively healthy since Week 2. There’s no excuse for him not improving over the course of the season. This also falls on Napier’s aforementioned refusal to change. Napier was his own quarterbacks coach with help from the recently-promoted Ryan O’Hara, who has been with him since his UL days. Lagway had his issues in 2024, but it was ignored by those who watch and follow the program closely because of the things he did well. Injuries hurt, lack of true development cost him his sophomore season.

One thing he has improved in is in the running game. Once Napier was gone, Florida started using Lagway’s legs more with actual designed QB runs. Results are mixed, but I give credit to Florida’s staff for not playing scared with Lagway and to Lagway for embracing that change.

While it’s been a tough year for the Florida offense with injuries piling up, running back Jaden Baugh has been a bright spot. The sophomore has a chance to break the century mark if he picks up 96 yards against the Seminoles. Is Baugh the highlight of the offense this year? Any other players stand out?

Really, Baugh has been the only consistent highlight. Most of Florida’s running back room has been hurt the entire season, leading to him being the main guy. Receivers Dallas Wilson and Eugene Wilson III each had strong games with 100-yard performances against Texas and Georgia, but both have since suffered season-ending injuries. Vernell Brown III is a bright spot as the leading receiver but has battled injuries in recent weeks, too.

A highly-touted offensive has failed to replicate last year’s performance, the tight ends are virtually non-factors, and Lagway’s regression has cost Florida multiple games. Baugh really is the only consistent highlight.

On defense, the Gators have struggled in the later downs. Florida is allowing roughly 44% success on third down conversions and 68% success on fourth down attempts. Those struggles have led to long, sustained drives for opponents (something FSU defenses have also experienced). What’s been the key issue that has hurt the Florida defense?

I’m not really sure because it’s really baffling. Florida’s defense was one of the top groups nationally at the beginning of the year, but since the Georgia game, it’s been one of the worst. Injuries haven’t helped, but the defensive regression has almost been as bad as Lagway’s. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts can afford to blitz more if we’re being honest, but it doesn’t help that the Gators’ pass-rush has been ineffective outside of a few good plays from freshman Jayden Woods, and interceptions have become a rare occurrence in recent weeks.

Finally, the Gators decided to move the program in a new direction with the firing of head coach Billy Napier. We’ve seen several names attached to the opening, most notably Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin. If you had to predict the next head coach for the Florida Gators, it would be… ?

Before yesterday, I was convinced it was Kiffin. The reports of Florida moving on caught me completely off guard. Talking with a few people close to the program, this was an unexpected shift. I’m not quite sure where it came from (social media rumors blame a high-level booster despite AD Scott Stricklin saying he’s running the search), but it’s been a chaotic week.

Right now, Jon Sumrall appears to be the guy, and that’s who I’m leaning towards. Jedd Fisch is another to keep an eye on. Lincoln Riley is a rumored candidate, but considering how this search has gone and Florida’s history hiring coaches, Sumrall is my prediction.

Bonus question: How do you see Saturday playing out?

I’m not really in the business in scoring predictions, but I do not see Florida winning this one at all. Between the offensive ineptitude and the defensive struggles in recent weeks, this is Florida State’s game to lose. I think the Gators can make it interesting, but until next season, I am taking the “I’ll believe it when I see it” opinion regarding Florida’s on-field success.