Settling for field goals is not the way to win over Gator Nation and Billy Napier should know that by now. That's why the fans are not thrilled with Florida's failure to find the end zone in the first half against USF.
The Gators are holding on to a 9-6 halftime lead, but two of those field goals could've been touchdowns if not for penalties. These near misses have left the fans scratching their heads and wondering if a chance needs to be made.
BIlly Napier's offensive play calling continues to inhibit the #Gators. Gadget plays when Florida is rolling down the field. QB keeper on first-and-25. Not running when it's working. Endless screens and plays behind the LOS. Year 4.
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) September 6, 2025
During his halftime interview Napier said that some little improvements in precision and execution could go a long way in the second half.
"Both teams have struggled in the red area, right? We've scored twice, we got two penalties. We've got to have a little more precision when we get down here in scoring territory. We've moved the ball, but we've got to finish down here in the red area," Napier said. "We've scored twice, and they get called back. A little precision at each position in general here. Just got to execute a little better."
Ex-Gator sounds off on offensive struggles
Former Gator offensive lineman Shannon Snell played under Steve Spurrier and Ron Zook, so he seems the good, the bad and the ugly. He has been expressing his displease about the offense on X for most of the first half and isn't ready to buy into the hype surrounding his alma mater.
— Shannon Snell (@theebigbossSS) September 6, 2025
Napier receives most of the blame
It should come as no surprise that patience is running thin for this fan base when it comes to Napier. The head coach continues to handle the offensive playcalling in his fourth year at the helm and many fans are calling for a change.
One X user suggests that it's time to look at Kade Bell, the offensive coordinator at Pitt and son of former Gator quarterback Kerwin Bell. Others are upset with Napier's penchant to run a lot of screen plays instead of utilizing more of a downfield passing attack.
Napier’s calling his vanilla offense terribly already in the pass game. Get a real play caller man. The gators are a 7 win team at best with this offense.
— Chomped Sports (@ChompedSports) September 6, 2025
One thing is certain. Florida will have to be better in the second half to take down a feisty USF team and the Gators will have to be much better in the future to compete in the SEC.