Breaking: Gators head coach Billy Napier refuses to comment on FSU’s struggling season, saying, “I Have My Own Grass to Mow.”
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There is no doubting that this season was extremely difficult to be a part of, both as a team member and as a fan, as the 2-9 Florida State Seminoles approach their season finale. A few months ago, it appeared like a berth in the first 12-team playoff was guaranteed, and as the losses kept mounting, all hope seemed to fade with every game.
The Seminoles now have to contend with the 6-5 Florida Gators, who have just defeated Ole Miss and LSU in two huge upsets. The Gators, who entered the game as double-digit favorites, appear to have all the momentum necessary to win the sunny showdown again for the first time since 2021.
Billy Napier, the head coach of the Florida Gators, talked about the rivalry and his thoughts heading into Saturday’s matchup during his weekly press conference.
We’re turning the page, so we don’t have time to play about here,” Napier stated. “We started the process yesterday in order to get ready for Florida State in our rivalry game, which we all know is very important.” “We have a healthy respect for the personnel; we’re very familiar with the personnel, and certainly, the success they’ve had as of late; they had a heck of a year last year and regardless of record and regardless of outcomes, this game is always a very significant one.”
“I think it’s really, really important for our players to be able to hit the reset button in here and within the walls to execute our routine and prepare the way we have been preparing; I think we need to continue to improve,” Napier said. We have a great deal of respect for coach Norvell, his background, and the composition of his staff, so this will be difficult. We have to play at their location; we’ve been there before; they’ve defeated us the past two years, and we are aware that the records will be thrown out. In his opening remarks, Napier stated, “So we’re going to put the ball down at 7:00 up there and we’ve got to get ready to go.” ”
FSU head coach Mike Norvell said that Luke Kromenhoek would be the only starter against the Gators after his team’s finest quarterback play of the season against Charleston Southern. The true freshman threw for 209 yards on 13 completions and ran for another 31 yards in his first career start. Speaking about his observations on Kromenhoek, Napier acknowledged that he has been impressed with the young quarterback since he was a recruit.
“Very gifted, indeed. I was so impressed with him that we awarded him a scholarship after working him out here. He’s actually quite sharp, played safety in high school, was a dual-threat player, was very physical, and was a good tackler. He’s one of the nation’s more well-liked quarterbacks, and he’s only recently been given the opportunity, but based on his performance last week, he can play when given the right opportunity.”
Despite the obvious downward trend occurring in Tallahassee, Napier declined to comment, stating that he is committed to strengthening his program and returning the Gators to the top. The turnaround from 13-1 to 2-9 wasn’t something that anyone had on their bingo card.
“Look, I understand all the things that come with the job, and the job is probably more challenging than it’s ever been, so I have a lot of respect for Mike. However, I don’t necessarily think it would be right for me to comment on that because I have my own grass to mow, my yard is large and full of weeds, and I have my own problems. “I’m focused on improving the Florida Gators, and he’s a good football coach,” Napier stated.
In addition to the obvious bragging rights for the victor, winning the game is also essential for attracting recruits. This will be the 66th time the in-state rivals have put their best foot forward on the football field. The game is expected to draw some of the state’s top recruits, and a victory would increase both schools’ chances of keeping or securing some last-minute commitments. Regarding the significance of the game for both spectators and recruits, Napier said that everyone must comprehend the rivalry’s importance.
“I believe we need to make sure we get the importance of the game and the influence of the rivalry in this situation. For all of the Gators out there who have had to cope with issues over the past two years, not only for our program, the players, and the folks inside these walls. We understand, and I believe the important thing is to concentrate on today. We have employed several topics, one-day contracts, and earned the right to win. This week, we will have a method to prepare them for action.
On Saturday, November 30th, the Seminoles will host the Gators in an attempt to extend their winning streak to three games. ESPN2 will broadcast the game, with kickoff set for 7:00 PM EST.