Billy Napier's two-quarterback rotation worked well for Florida Football on Saturday

For Billy Napier, the 45-28 win over Mississippi State offers a glimpse into what his team is capable of, highlighting the uphill battle they face in becoming true contenders in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.

The Two-Quarterback System

One of the more intriguing developments in Napier’s game plan is his strategy for implementing the two-quarterback system. Against Texas A&M, Napier opted to rotate Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway every possession. Against Mississippi State, Mertz played two possessions for every one possession Lagway played. Both shined in this setup, combining for an exceptional passing performance against Mississippi State. They completed 26 of 28 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns—a staggering 92.9% completion rate.

Mertz showcased his poise and precision, going 19-for-21 with 201 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lagway, the future of Florida football, impressed by completing all seven of his pass attempts for 76 yards. This approach keeps opposing defenses on their toes and allows Lagway to gain crucial experience without disrupting the stability Mertz brings to the offense.

Still, the big question is: Can this unconventional system hold up against the fierce competition in the SEC? The strategy’s success will depend on whether the Gators can maintain this level of efficiency when they face stronger, more aggressive defenses.

Offense: Depth and Versatility

Florida’s offensive surge wasn’t just about stellar quarterback play. The victory over Mississippi State also revealed a deeper, more balanced attack that could mark the beginning of the offense taking a step forward. Tight ends Arlis Boardingham and Hayden Hansen each caught touchdown passes, while wide receiver Marcus Burke recorded his first career touchdown reception. On the ground, four different running backs made significant contributions, including Treyaun Webb and Jadan Baugh turning heads.

For a team that has struggled offensively in previous games, this newfound variety of playmakers offers hope that Florida may be turning a corner.

Defensive Struggles Persist

While the offense displayed signs of life, the defense continues to be a concern. Despite securing the win, Florida allowed Mississippi State to rack up 480 total yards and 31 first downs. The "bend-don’t-break" defensive approach may work against lesser teams, but it’s a dangerous gamble against the elite squads in the SEC.

Napier’s decision to move co-defensive coordinator Ron Roberts to the press box for play-calling duties is a sign that the coaching staff is willing to make adjustments. However, whether these changes will lead to more consistent defensive performances remains to be seen, especially when Florida faces high-powered offenses down the stretch.

Napier’s Honest Assessment

One of the more refreshing things to see was Napier's candidness. After the Mississippi State game, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges ahead. “We won today, but we are very much a work in progress,” Napier stated.

Looking Forward: The Road Gets Tougher

With a bye week, Florida has a chance to fine-tune its strategies before facing UCF, a team known for its rushing attack. This matchup will be a key test for the Gators’ defense and a gauge of how much progress they’ve made.

Beyond UCF, the schedule only intensifies. For the Gators to compete at a high level, they’ll need to sustain their offensive efficiency while shoring up their defensive shortcomings. Napier’s innovative approach has shown promise, but its real test will come against the conference’s elite.