DJ Lagway Struggles in Florida Loss to LSU as CFB Fans Call for Billy Napier’s Firing

Five interceptions — including four on third down — rarely lead to a win.

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway struggled mightily, throwing five picks in the Gators’ 20-10 road loss to LSU on Saturday, dropping Florida to 1-2 on the season.

In addition to his five picks, Lagway completed 33-of-49 passes for 287 yards with one touchdown. Wide receiver Aidan Mizell was a bright spot, hauling in a touchdown and finishing with 41 receiving yards. 

Fans voiced their frustration after the game, calling out head coach Billy Napier as Florida’s offensive woes — and quarterback struggles — continued to mount in another disappointing performance.

Meanwhile, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier completed 15-of-27 passes for 220 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Zavion Thomas scored a touchdown on 35 receiving yards. Safety Dashawn Spears had two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. LSU improved to a perfect 3-0.

Florida struck first with a 45-yard field goal from kicker Trey Smack to take a 3-0 lead. Outside of that score, it was an ugly offensive quarter for both teams. LSU went three-and-out on all three of its possessions, while Florida quarterback Lagway threw an interception with 5:55 left in the quarter, picked off by Spears, followed by a three-and-out on the next drive.

LSU got on the board early in the second quarter with a field goal, then grabbed the lead on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Nussmeier to Thomas, making it 10-3 with 7:33 left in the half.

Florida answered quickly, as Lagway connected with Mizell for the Gators’ first touchdown, tying the game at 10. But Lagway’s struggles continued on the next drive, throwing his second interception of the game — this one snagged by A.J. Haulcy. LSU capitalized again, with Damian Ramos drilling a 45-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 13-10 lead heading into halftime.

The only score of the third quarter came off Lagway’s third interception — a 58-yard pick-six by LSU’s Spears, extending the Tigers’ lead to 20-10 heading into the fourth.

Lagway threw his fourth interception late in the final quarter, a deep ball picked off in the end zone by Tamarcus Cooley for a touchback, ending another Florida scoring opportunity.

A final interception by Lagway — picked off by DJ Pickett — was all the LSU home crowd needed to see to celebrate the Tigers’ victory.

Florida will travel to Miami next Saturday to seek redemption against the Miami Hurricanes.