Florida Football: Billy Napier gets too cute on failed fourth down

Florida football came into its matchup against Georgia as a two-touchdown underdog, so it is understandable why the Gators would want to pull out all the stops to try and beat the first-ranked Bulldogs.

So going for it on fourth and inches from their own side of the field is rational—the actual play call to get there left many fans with their heads scratching.

Florida Football: Trick shot

At the end of the first quarter, Florida thought it had a first down. After a review, it was deemed Florida football would open the second quarter with a fourth and inches from its own 34-yard line.

Most teams in this spot would run a QB sneak or a dive up the middle. But head coach Billy Napier wanted to go for all the glory.

The Gators had Graham Mertz line up under center, only for the ball to be snapped between his legs to a waiting Trevor Etienne. The left-handed Etienne tried to find an open receiver, but all routes were covered, and the play was stopped in its tracks.

Georgia would go on to score on the ensuing possession.

The consensus from most Gator fans is that going for it on fourth and inches, even on your own side of the field, is fine. But whatever vision Napier had for the play working was thwarted by Georgia keeping simple man-to-man principles.