GAINESVILLE — Florida jumped on UCF early and coasted to a 24-13 win behind enough offense to build a comfortable lead and a suffocating defensive effort that didn’t allow the Knights to rally.
DJ Lagway plays role to perfection
Stepping in every third series for veteran Graham Mertz, Lagway has not thrown an incompletion since an interception during the final minutes of a 33-20 loss Sept. 14 to Texas A&M. Since then, the Gators’ true freshman is 11 of 11 for 126 yards, including 4 of 4 for 50 against UCF.
Most of Lagway’s yards Saturday night came on a 37-yard dart in the seam to Chimere Dike to set up a 1-yard touchdown run on the next play for a 14-3 lead. The pass displayed Lagway’s accuracy and growing confidence.
“Great throw, great catch, great route,” coach Billy Napier said.
Lagway isn’t being asked to shoulder the load, but has gained coaches’ trust. With UF leading 24-3 in the final minute of the first half, he re-entered the game, threw a pair of completions and picked up 8 yards on 2 carries rather than just take a knee and head to the locker room.