Nothing could hurt more than watching your alma mater fade into nothingness. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, former NFL quarterback and college football analyst, Jesse Palmer joins us to talk about and unravel the world of college football. Playing from 1997 to 2000 under former Gators HC Steve Spurrier, Palmer made a name for himself while alternating playtime with QB Doug Johnson and QB Rex Grossman.

Having won the Gators’ Fergie Ferguson Award and wrapping up his college career with 3755 passing yards under his belt, Florida was the first home for Palmer and it would be heartbreaking for any person to watch their alma mater lose relevance this fast in the 2024 season. So, Jesse Palmer has the perfect advice for current Gators HC Billy Napier, which could help Napier bounce back from the disaster he is in.

From a former player to the current coach

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride so far. They have figured out the quarterback situation a bit….. defensive side of the football is really where the Gators have to continue improving,” Palmer told EssentiallySports host Andrew Whitelaw. The entire dilemma regarding the offensive line started when Napier decided to pick QB Graham Mertz over DJ Lagway. Lagway, by far, is the better option out of the two. If we look at the tapes from the Samford game (where Lagway started) and compare them with the tapes of the MS Bulldogs and UCF games (where Mertz started), the difference is crystal clear. No hate on Mertz, but the fluidity and the confidence that Lagway showcases on the turf are unmatched.

Now, coming down to the main point; the defense. While it looks like Mertz has found his footing, the Gators’ defense is still in the trenches. Against Hurricanes and Aggies, the Gators D-line was struggling. Allowing Miami to grab 38-10 and Texas A&M to grab 37-7. The best defensive play from the Gators came during the Knights’ game. UCF is a run-heavy team, and pairing QB KJ Jefferson with RB RJ Harvey is a deadly combo. However, Napier and his boys managed to stop them and restrict UCF to only 273 yards (earlier, Miami was on 592, and A&M was on 488). Napier has to ensure that the team stays on this track. If Billy Napier doesn’t want to get fired, then he has to ensure the team at least reaches the Bowl games.

What awaits Billy Napier?

Paul Finebaum was the first one to point out that Florida won’t be risking firing Napier anytime soon. The main problem is if Napier is removed mid-season or after the season is over, the University of Florida will owe him upwards of $26 million. However, the fans would be breathing down UF’s neck if they did not take any steps.

ESPN, back on September 17th, already mentioned 6 different coaches who could be the better fit for Florida. “Kiffin, James Franklin, Eli Drinkwitz, Matt Campbell, Matt Rhule, Mike Gundy,” ESPN had mentioned. Lane Kiffin and Matt Rhule stand out as the best option if the Gators want to reclaim their 3x national champ glory back.

However, all of that firing will only happen if Napier fails to take the Gators to the Bowl games. The dream of reaching the playoffs is not something any Gators’ fan is thinking of. What matters right now is if the squad can grab 3 more wins and move to the Bowl games. That will at least allow Napier to salvage his and the team’s reputation. Let’s wait and watch how this entire thing pans out.