In a Week 2 college football matchup, the Florida Gators (1-1) bounced back from a disappointing season opener with a resounding 45-7 victory over the Samford Bulldogs (0-2). The story of the day was freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who made a memorable collegiate debut, leading the Gators with 456 passing yards and three touchdowns, giving head coach Billy Napier some much-needed breathing room after a rocky start to the season.
Lagway, filling in for injured starter Graham Mertz (concussion), wasted no time making his presence felt in “The Swamp.” The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Texan completed his first seven passes and demonstrated why he was the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the country. His performance included six passes for over 30 yards, showcasing a deep passing attack that Florida lacked in the 2023 season, when they accomplished that feat just 14 times.
Lagway finished 18-of-25, breaking the school record for most passing yards by a freshman, previously held by Chris Leak (268 yards, set in 2003 against Kentucky). The Gators’ offense was electric from the start, with Lagway spreading the ball around to his talented receiving corps. Eugene Wilson III, Montrell Johnson, and Elijhah Badger were all key contributors to the Gators’ offensive explosion.
Wilson, in particular, had a standout performance, finishing with six receptions for 141 yards. His 85-yard catch on a shovel pass from Lagway put an exclamation point on the game. Badger also shined, with three catches for 123 yards, including a 77-yard bomb from Lagway.
The Gators balanced their air attack with a steady ground game led by Montrell Johnson, who carried the ball 15 times for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Lagway’s mobility and ability to extend plays came in handy as well, as he stayed in the game despite taking a few tough hits while scrambling.
While the win came against an overmatched Samford team from the Football Championship Subdivision, Lagway’s poise, arm strength, and decision-making have already sparked discussions about the quarterback situation in Gainesville. Lagway did things on the field that Mertz hadn’t done since transferring from Wisconsin, and with performances like this, Napier may have a tough decision ahead regarding the Gators’ QB1.
For now, the Gators can relish this victory and Lagway’s record-breaking debut, as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.
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