Florida’s season has gone completely off the rails with a 1-2 start, a record that includes shocking losses to inferior opponents. Quarterback DJ Lagway’s interception problems have become a major concern, leading Gators legend Steve Spurrier to call for offensive changes while head coach Billy Napier fights for his job. The sophomore quarterback’s poor decisions are crippling what should be a talented team, with turnovers costing Florida games it was positioned to win.
What Did Steve Spurrier Say About Florida’s Offense?
Spurrier criticized Florida’s offensive approach after the 20-10 loss to LSU. The Hall of Fame coach clarified that he wants Billy Napier to scrap the current strategy and try something new.
“But, right now, yeah, offensively, we need to regroup somehow or another and do something different. That’s what I’m saying. Let’s do something different. Let’s not throw 49 (times),” Spurrier said to CBS Sports.
That comment came after Lagway threw five interceptions against LSU, the most by a Florida quarterback since 1992. Through three games, he has completed 71 of 100 passes for 629 yards with six interceptions and just five touchdowns. His six picks already lead the SEC and rank second nationally.
DJ LAGWAY THROWS HIS 5TH INTERCEPTION OF THE NIGHT 😱 pic.twitter.com/iAlaByoqpM
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 14, 2025
What makes the situation worse is when these turnovers happen. Four of Lagway’s five interceptions against LSU came from a clean pocket. Against South Florida, he had protection nearly all game but still threw a costly pick in the upset loss. The problem isn’t the pass rush; it’s his decision-making.
The stats fully support this conclusion. According to PFSN, Lagway ranks 132nd out of 151 eligible quarterbacks this season when throwing from a clean pocket, posting a clean-pocket EPA of -0.03 per dropback. That is terrible production, especially considering the resources around him.
Is Florida’s Offensive Line Really the Problem?
In fact, the issue does not appear to be protection at all. Florida actually has elite pass protection. According to PFSN College OLi, the Gators have the third-ranked offensive line in the country with a 94.5 score, which translates to an A grade. This suggests Lagway’s reads, not his protection, are the primary issue.
This problem becomes even clearer when watching the tape. In a recent podcast episode of “Always College Football,” analyst David Pollack explained exactly what’s wrong with the quarterback.
“I’m watching him throw interceptions and it’s not with pressure. Like it’s not like he’s pressured all the time,” Pollack explained. “You look at USF, he was hardly pressured the whole game. Like he had a clean pocket to do damage.”
Pollack noted that Lagway still possesses elite physical tools. The corner-route touchdown he threw against LSU showed arm talent as good as anyone in college football. However, raw talent doesn’t matter when a quarterback can’t consistently make smart throws.
“I can live with spotty accuracy. I can’t live with horrible decision-making. And right now, it’s horrible decision-making. And that will get you killed week in and week out,” Pollack said.
The timing of this slump makes everything worse for Napier. His overall coaching record at Florida sits at 20-21, and he faces a brutal remaining schedule that features ranked opponents Miami, Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Florida State.
Meanwhile, Florida’s defense has primarily done its job, allowing just 12.67 points per game and keeping the team in position to win. However, Lagway’s turnovers have been the deciding factor in close losses to South Florida and LSU.
As a result, Saturday’s game at No. 4 Miami puts Napier’s job directly on the line. The road test against an undefeated rival could ultimately decide his future. Lagway must stop turning the ball over, or he will risk ending his coach’s tenure on national television.
