Getty Image / Chris Gardner
Hopes were admittedly not high coming into the college football season for the Florida Gators. Still, after an embarrassing 24-11 loss to A Utah team without multiple stars, including quarterback Cam Rising, Florida fans are having the best meltdown of the college football season so far.
There is plenty to meltdown about. The Gators had just thirteen rushing yards and were dominated up front all night long. And, there were just too many mental mistakes.
The biggest mental mistake came in the middle of the 2nd quarter, but changed the game completely. After Utah had looked in control early on, Florida survived and had clawed back to 7-3 with a Utah punt upcoming. But, a penalty due to Florida having two players with the same number on the field extended the drive, where the Utes scored a touchdown.
On 4th and 3, Florida had 2 players on the field with the same number. Gave Utah a first down
Billy Napier might get left at the airport pic.twitter.com/wdul1g7w78
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) September 1, 2023
Florida did score a pity touchdown and two-point conversion in the 4th quarter after they went down 24-3 to make it 24-11. But, that’s as close as they got.
The Gators are coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1978 and 1979, so fans were already on edge. And, The meltdowns from fans during and after the game were hilarious. Here’s a selection of some of the best ones, with some help from Message Board Geniuses.
Are the gators going to allow Napier to fly back with them to Gainesville after the game?
— Will Rachels (@WillyTRachels) September 1, 2023
Everything we do is terrible! Can't punt , can't return punts , can't kick FG , can't run the ball , can't defend cant see 2 , 3s on the field … we can , make penalties, coaches are terrible starting with Napier… fire him quick !
— RealNeil (@RealNeil1793093) September 1, 2023
Just not an SEC caliber team the Gators have fielded tonight. Could be a long tough year.
— Uncle Bob (@BaTLRidesAgain) September 1, 2023
I even stop drinking lol..Not even worth my Don Julio
— ✊🏾T E Z✊🏾🐊STL GATOR🐊 (@ErrbodyAintAble) September 1, 2023
The play calling tonight was completely unacceptable just more proof we need a offensive coordinator
— Rcblue (@rcblue5) September 1, 2023
Billy Napier needs to fire himself and hire Dan Mullen. pic.twitter.com/0PrCRCvIny
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) September 1, 2023
#Florida is down 7-0 in the first quarter. Bench Graham Mertz! pic.twitter.com/IAYJfYtsbi
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) September 1, 2023
Billy Napier and the Florida Gators get a cupcake at home next week in McNeese State. But, Tennessee comes to Gainesville in week three, and if they don’t significantly improve, that could get really ugly.