Steve Irvine’s Five Storylines for SAMFORD vs FLORIDA
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - September 7, 2024
SAMFORD VS. FLORIDA
Site, kickoff time: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 6 p.m.
Record: Samford 0-1 overall, 0-0 SoCon; Florida 0-1 overall, 0-0 SEC
Five storylines
1. What will the atmosphere be like inside The Swamp? Florida fans aren’t satisfied with the job that Billy Napier has done as the Gators head coach. Napier is 11-15 overall in two-plus seasons at Florida. He didn’t silence any critics by getting thumped at home by Miami to begin his third season at the helm. Will the dissatisfaction over the job he’s done show in the way Florida fans approach this game? Can a strong effort today change any opinions? Can Samford find a way to take advantage?
2. How will Samford QB Quincy Crittendon handle his first start against a P5 team? Before last week’s trip to West Georgia, the last time that Crittendon started on the road was in the 2022 FCS quarterfinals at North Dakota State. Crittendon was really good last week against West Georgia, accounting for 397 yards and four touchdowns. But facing West Georgia’s defense is different than facing a SEC defense, even one that was shredded by Miami’s Cam Ward last week.
3. Can Samford’s defense find ways to have success against Florida? Samford linebackers Noah Martin and Jaden Mosely played well last week, combining for 21 tackles. Overall, though, the Bulldogs struggled getting off the field. West Georgia had 456 yards and five touchdowns and converted on 9 of 17 third and fourth downs. Florida didn’t play well offensively against Miami but the Gators do have some playmakers. The last time Samford was in The Swamp, Florida had 464 yards passing, 253 yards rushing and scored 70 points.
4. How will Florida true freshman DJ Lagway play in his first start? The future at quarterback for Florida has been moved up to now with the injury to starter Graham Metz. The 6-foot-3, 229-pound Lagway, who was the country’s top recruit at his position, took over against Miami when Metz was hurt. Lagway was 3 of 6 for 31 yards with one interception and rushed for 20 yards. How will he play with a full week to prepare as starter?
5. How many yards will the Samford offense gain? Dating back to last season, Samford has produced at least 400 yards in seven of the past nine games, including the season opening loss to West Georgia. Can the Bulldogs move the ball at that pace against the Gators?