Florida Gators Lose to Arkansas: A Surprising Reality

The text arrived late in the fourth quarter, right after Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson scored a 25-yard touchdown to give the Razorbacks a 4-point lead against Florida.

A UF fan and long-time friend sent a message that read, “The Gators better get their s–t together. How can we be losing to Arkansas?”

My response was short and blunt. “Because the Gators are Arkansas.”

Florida fans may not want to accept it, but the truth is that it shouldn’t be surprising that Billy Napier’s Gators lost 39-36 in overtime at home to the struggling Hogs. Despite their history, potential, and superior recruiting base, the Gators are currently on the same level as Arkansas. They are a mid- to low-level SEC program capable of an occasional big win, yet susceptible to losing against any team they face.

Just last year, they defeated highly ranked Utah early in the season, only to lose to lowly Vanderbilt later on. And now, history is repeating itself. After a home victory against Tennessee, the Gators fell to Arkansas at the Swamp.

But did the Razorbacks really look like a less talented team? Despite their winless SEC record, Arkansas came close to beating top-ranked Alabama and LSU, and only lost to Ole Miss by a touchdown. On Saturday, they appeared more skilled than Florida.

The Gators’ defense struggled to tackle Arkansas’ imposing quarterback, KJ Jefferson, who stands at 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds. Jefferson threw for 255 yards, ran for 92 yards and a touchdown, and set up the game-winning score in OT with a powerful 20-yard run that left several UF defenders on the ground.

The fact that Arkansas, with an offense ranked last in the SEC and 122nd in the nation, managed to amass a season-high 481 yards against Florida speaks volumes about the Gators’ defensive shortcomings. In their previous game against Mississippi State, lowly Arkansas only had four first downs and 78 yards in the first half. They fired their offensive coordinator after the game.

Understandably, many Gators fans are upset. They booed Napier during the game and have taken to social media to demand his firing.

In today’s world of hot takes and impulsiveness, I often feel like a lone voice when I say that Napier needs time and patience to succeed at Florida. It simply doesn’t make sense to sign a coach to a seven-year, $52 million contract and then dismiss him after only two seasons.

Napier must hold his upcoming No. 3-ranked recruiting class together and continue to bring in highly talented recruits, much like Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Alabama’s Nick Saban. I believe UF’s administration understands this. In fact, they anticipated struggles this season. Before the season began, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin told me, “I don’t see any way that Billy won’t be successful. It just may take a little longer than some people want it to take.”

In other words, this might be another subpar year.

When asked how he addresses the need for patience after losing to Arkansas, Napier responded, “It’s not my job to preach patience. It’s my job to coach the team and lead those young men in the locker room. Criticism comes with the territory when you lose.”

However, it’s fair to criticize Napier. The Gators continue to make costly mistakes on special teams, such as muffing an extra point and missing a potentially game-winning field goal due to an illegal-substitution penalty. These errors further fuel the growing criticism of Napier and Stricklin.

If, as expected, Florida loses their remaining three games against LSU, Missouri, and Florida State, and fails to qualify for a bowl, the criticism will intensify.

Stricklin’s quote about Napier’s rebuild needing more time couldn’t be more accurate after Arkansas’ historic victory at Florida.