DJ Lagway’s return delivers Florida upset win over No. 22 LSU and attracts Gators one recreation nearer to bowl bid

A bowl recreation is again on the menu in Gainesville.

The return of star freshman quarterback DJ Lagway led to a return to the win column for the Florida Gators, who took care of No. 22 LSU 27-16 Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The win not solely improved the Gators to 5-5 on the season, however drove a stake by means of the guts of LSU’s School Soccer Playoff hopes. 

Florida has two probabilities to achieve bowl eligibility — house vs. No. 10 Ole Miss subsequent week and at arch-rival Florida State to finish the season. Doing so could be a powerful accomplishment contemplating the problem of the schedule, which was hyped within the preseason as one of many hardest ever. 

Lagway, who was injured within the 34-20 loss to Georgia, and missed final week’s blowout loss to Texas due to it, gave Gators followers a glimpse of what the workforce is able to when he is wholesome (to not point out, a glimpse of why Florida was so wanting to announce coach Billy Napier will return subsequent season). Even along with his mobility restricted by the hamstring damage, Lagway was in a position to make performs by means of the air. The No. 1 QB recruit within the class of 2024 completed the day finishing solely 13 of his 26 cross makes an attempt, however completed with 226 yards and a landing. His favourite goal on the day was Elijah Badger, who completed with 6 receptions for 131 yards and a landing.

Nonetheless, whereas the offense did sufficient to win, the true star of the day for Florida was its protection. The Gators held LSU to solely 4.2 yards per play regardless of being on the sector for over 41 minutes of recreation motion. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier most likely seems like he was on the sector for 40 weeks, as a result of the Gators protection was on him all day.

Florida completed the day with 11 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. LSU had allowed solely six sacks all season coming into the sport.

CHAOS AT THE SWAMP 😱

LSU LINEMAN FUMBLES AND FLORIDA RECOVERS 😳 pic.twitter.com/hVl06C4TMY

— ESPN (@espn) November 16, 2024

The win means the Gators must win one among their closing two video games towards No. 11 Ole Miss or at Florida State to get to a bowl. Whereas upsetting Ole Miss will not be simple, Florida State has been one of many greatest disappointments of the faculty soccer season and is 1-9.

Florida is simply over per week faraway from saying embattled coach Billy Napier would return for the 2025 season. With Lagway on the controls, there needs to be loads of optimism round Gainesville.