UF QB DJ Lagway returns to steer Gators previous LSU

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GAINESVILLE — Florida true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway’s speedy restoration cured the Gators woes and left a sellout crowd on the Swamp feeling good.

Lagway’s swift return from a hamstring damage, unwavering confidence and singular arm power elevated the Gators to 27-16 win in opposition to LSU.

UF receiver Eljhah Badger hauls in a 23-yard landing go in the course of the Gators’ win in opposition to LSU Nov. 16 within the Swamp. (AP Photograph/John Raoux)

The Gators (5-5, 3-3 SEC) snapped a five-game dropping streak to the No. 22 Tigers (6-3, 3-3) and eight-game skid in opposition to ranked opponents to place Florida for a bowl bid with two video games remaining, a Nov. 23 go to from Ole Miss and Nov. 30 journey to Florida State.

“These youngsters confirmed up tonight,” coach Billy Napier stated.

In a recreation that includes three ties and two lead adjustments, UF pulled forward for good, at 20-13, on a 1-yard landing run by Ja’Kobi Jackson with 13:58 remaining and following Lagway’s 36-yard strike to Elijhah Badger.

As two LSU go rushers closed in from either side, Lagway, transferring gingerly and successfully enjoying on one-and-half legs, cooly stepped up within the pocket and fired a go to Badger.

“Elite play,”  Napier stated. “These are throws … god bless that younger man.”

After LSU settled for a 38-yard area objective with 5:18 to go to tug inside 20-16, Gators’ true freshman tailback Jadan Baugh sealed the win 90 seconds later with a 55-yard landing run as a crowd of 90,067 regarded on.

“The place was electrical,” Napier stated.

In the meantime, the Gators protection was suffocating per week after Texas torched Florida for five touchdowns passes and 529 yards throughout a 49-17 Longhorns’ win.

Main as much as LSU’s go to, Napier questioned his protection’s struggle in Austin. The Gators responded with an impressed efficiency, ending with 7 sacks in opposition to LSU, greater than the Tigers had given up all season.

“This was complimentary ball at its greatest,” Napier stated.

Florida head coach Billy Napier questions a ruling by officials during the Gators' 27-16 win against No. 22 LSU Nov. 16 in Gainesville. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida head coach Billy Napier questions a ruling by officers in the course of the Gators’ 27-16 win in opposition to No. 22 LSU Nov. 16 in Gainesville. (AP Photograph/John Raoux)

The Gators have been 4-point underdogs to educate Brian Kelly’s Tigers, coming off one-sided losses to Texas A&M and Alabama. The loss ends Kelly’s seven-season streak with double-digit wins, together with the previous two in Baton Rogue.

Florida took a 7-0 lead on a 23-yard landing go from Lagway to Elijhah Badger, who completed with 131 yards on 6 catches after lacking the Texas loss. The scoring toss adopted a 20-yard run by Ja’Kobi Jackson after Lagway’s back-shoulder throw got here two performs after an ideal 34-yard toss over the shoulder of Chimere Dike.

The 5-play, 2-minute drive showcased UF’s quick-strike potential with Lagway on the helm. However the Gators struggled to duplicate it or to maintain drives.

In the meantime, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussemeier and the Tigers methodically chipped away to tug forward, placing collectively successive scoring drives of 14-, 12- and 15-plays — the ultimate two ending in area targets for a 13-10 lead.

The Tigers ended the sport with 92 performs, in contrast with 43 for Florida, and with 41:43 in time of possession.

“I do really feel like we made them earn it protection,” Napier stated. “However now we have to do a greater job getting off the sphere. Actually out of whack on the finish of the sport.”

A career-long 55-yard area objective by Trey Smack tied the sport 13-13, setting the stage for UF’s two true freshmen stars, Lagway and Baugh, to steer the Gators to a much-needed win.

“It’s a must to complement our coaches and gamers for staying the course,” Napier stated. “We’ve to proceed the work. We’re proper in the midst of this journey right here.”

Edgar Thompson will be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

 

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