In the end, Florida Football just didn't have enough to get over the hump

Coming into the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, we had stated there would be no such thing as a moral victory for Florida Football. Billy Napier entered Jacksonville 15-17 as the head coach of the Gators and was 0-6 when a double-digit underdog.

The way Saturday along the St. Johns River played out, one could argue Florida is leaving with a moral victory. There is a hint of truth to that, but Saturday was a reminder that Florida's roster just isn't elite enough in Napier's third season to overcome anything going wrong.

Florida Football: 15-18

It is admittedly unfair to chastize Napier for having the Gators in a tied ballgame in the fourth quarter against the number two team in the country when relegated to his third-string QB while also down his starting running back and a starting wide receiver.

There are few teams in the country who would stick around when relegated to their third-string QB. But it also highlights the folly in relying on DJ Lagway to save Napier's job.

Napier just doesn't have enough tricks up his sleeve, and over half of Florida's drives ended in a three-and-out or a turnover. Florida picked off Carson Beck thrice and could still only manage 20 points.

Now, if you think that is petty because we have written 57 articles calling for Napier's job, let's talk about things that have nothing to do with DJ Lagway getting hurt.

Florida had a chance to kick a field goal in the third quarter to retake the lead, but details failed the Gators as the snap sailed 30 yards into Georgia territory.

You might say, "How is that Napier's fault?" We would counter with far too often in the Napier Era plays like this have happened, and when your entire calling card is being "consumed with the process," these types of plays shouldn't keep happening.

DJ Lagway getting hurt also had nothing to do with Florida's defense allowing Georgia to drive right back down the field in the fourth quarter after the Gators tied it up at 20.

Florida played hard, and it's clear Napier hasn't lost this team.

But time and again, Florida has been in a position to pull off the big upset, and time and again, the Gators just aren't good enough to get over the hump.

That's just the reality of the Billy Napier Era.