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Billy Napier explains how the aftermath of losing to Kentucky is like a ‘speeding ticket’
By Andrew Kulha
Published:
Billy Napier and his Florida Gators were riding high in Week 1 after a 29-26 win over No. 7 Utah.
It was a prime-time matchup at “The Swamp” and the Gators delivered a huge victory. To follow that up with a Week 2 loss to No. 20 Kentucky seemingly steals a ton of momentum away from Florida and it was undoubtedly a disappointing loss.
The Gators, ranked No. 12, played host to a Wildcats program that is on the up and up but still has had to fight for attention compared to Kentucky’s world-class basketball program. Kentucky beat Florida handily, 26-16, and now the Gators are a bit bruised and banged up as they head into a Week 3 clash with South Florida.
Coming off a tough loss, should Gator fans be worried that the losing will compound? Could Florida suffer a dreaded losing “hangover” after the big loss?
Napier doesn’t think so.
“I wouldn’t describe it as a hangover as much it’s like getting a speeding ticket,” Florida’s coach said, according to Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel & Tribune. “You’re a little more aware of the things that you need to do.”
"I wouldn't describe it as a hangover as much it's like getting a speeding ticket. You're a little more aware of the things that you need to do."#Gators coach Billy Napier on getting past the hangover of the loss to Kentucky.
— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) September 14, 2022
One of those “things to do” Florida has to focus on against USF is taking care of the football. Quarterback Anthony Richardson threw two interceptions against Kentucky without a touchdown. That’s a recipe for failure, even against unraked USF, so it’s something the Gators must address in order to win.
