Nothing went right on Saturday as the Florida Gators were blown out by Kentucky, and DJ Lagway got benched. Throw in Tank Hawkins opting out at the last moment, and about the only positive to emerge from Saturday is that Florida didn't get shut out, extending its streak.
After the game, Billy Gonzales was given the chance to clarify whether or not Lagway would get the start against Ole Miss, and his response wasn't exactly a yes.
Billy Gonzales doesn't commit to DJ Lagway
Gonzales was asked about the thought process behind benching Lagway and his response was straightforward:
"Well, that was my decision. I think we had a rough first half, and I thought it might be good for him just to gather and look at it from a coach's point and a coach's point from the sideline.
But yeah, we need to play better all around, not just him, everybody needs to play a little bit better, not just him, and I'll take the blame for everything. I think if you take a look at what we do and what we need to be, and it's unacceptable, and I'm going to put me up in front and say that's on me.
I'll take the blame for this loss, 100 percent, so we got to be better, and we've got to be better, I've got to be better, make sure these players continue forward."
As a follow-up, Gonzales was asked if Lagway would be trotted back out for Ole Miss, and this is where Gonzales didn't exactly give a firm answer:
"We'll take a look at the film, and obviously we think he's a very talented young man, but we'll take a look at everything and move forward once we get back home."
Soooooooo, that's not a yes.
At least for now.
If you think about it, the downfall of Lagway this season is a story few saw coming. Lagway entered the season as a dark horse for the Heisman, and he is going to end the season possibly on the bench, with his head coach fired, potentially looking for the transfer portal next month.
And it's not just Lagway's lack of progression that is notable; it's his downright regression that opens up serious question marks as to what exactly happened this offseason.
Gonzales will have another press conference on Monday, where he will more than likely be asked to give an update on who will start on Saturday against Ole Miss.