Additional Coverage:
- Four Downs and a Bracket: Billy Napier era at Florida nears end with boosters ready to pay buyout (newsbreak.com)
### Saturday Football Insights with Matt Hayes
Every Saturday, Matt Hayes, a senior national college football writer, delves into four key stories and presents a 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. Here’s this week’s breakdown:
### First Down: The End of the Billy Napier Era
Florida supporters have gathered the funds needed to dismiss Coach Billy Napier, insiders told USA TODAY Sports under anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation. The process is awaiting an official decision from interim Florida president Kent Fuchs.
Should Napier be terminated, he stands to receive around $26 million in buyout money. However, this figure could decrease due to an ongoing NCAA investigation into Florida’s recruiting practices involving Napier and former high school recruit Jaden Rashada.
Napier was hired by Fuchs in 2022 and received substantial backing from the administration. Despite promises of improvement, the team’s performance has deteriorated, evidenced by recent heavy losses to Texas A&M and Miami.
Fans are visibly disheartened, often leaving games early, as the Gators now hold a 12-16 record under Napier’s leadership, including a stark 7-15 against major conference teams. Even freshman quarterback DJ Lagway’s introduction hasn’t turned things around, with the team managing just 63 yards in the first half against Texas A&M.
### Second Down: Florida State’s Struggles
What’s going wrong with Florida State? The Seminoles have rushed for just 156 yards all season, averaging a dismal 2.2 yards per carry.
While quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei bears some criticism, it’s clear the team’s inability to run the ball is a major issue.
Coach Mike Norvell pointed out that everything is under evaluation after their 20-12 home loss to Memphis. The offensive line, composed of several transferred players, including Keiondre Jones (Auburn), Richie Leonard (Florida), Jeremiah Byers (Texas-El Paso), and TJ Ferguson (Alabama), has been particularly problematic.
The Seminoles’ rushing stats over the past three games highlight this issue, with 37 yards against Memphis, 21 yards against Boston College, and 98 yards against Georgia Tech.
### Third Down: LSU’s NFL Prospect
While much attention was on LSU coach Brian Kelly’s sideline antics during their comeback win against South Carolina, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s performance was the real highlight. An NFL scout noted Nussmeier’s impressive skills, indicating he could become a first-round draft pick.
Nussmeier threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns, making crucial plays throughout the game, including a significant deep throw to wideout Karen Lacy, setting up the game-winning touchdown.
### Fourth Down: The Disappearance of the Bedlam Rivalry
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State decided not to continue their Bedlam rivalry, opting to play against Tulane and Tulsa instead, winning 79-29 combined. While other rivalries like Oregon vs.
Oregon State and Washington vs. Washington State continued, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State did not.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has stated he can’t force teams to play rivals but suggested that both the SEC and Big 12 could encourage the continuation of this historic matchup that dates back to 1904.
### The Bracket: Texas on Top
1. Texas
2. Ohio State
3. Miami
4. Oklahoma State
**Matchups:**
– Memphis (12) at Georgia (5)
– Oregon (11) at Alabama (6)
– Missouri (10) at Ole Miss (7)
– Southern California (9) at Tennessee (8)
Note: This summary from Matt Hayes provides an in-depth look at significant developments, poignant analyses, and a peek into potential playoff scenarios in college football.