Q&A with Florida beat writer Kevin Brockway

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The Daily Journal caught up with Florida beat writer Kevin Brockway of The Gainesville Sun to see what he considers the keys to the Ole Miss-Florida matchup.

Let's get it out of the way – is it Lane Kiffin or bust for Florida's coaching search, and how confident are folks in Gainesville it can happen? Does this week's matchup have a particularly strange feeling given the coach on the opposing sideline? Where do you think the search is timeline wise right now?

Florida fans are still confident that Kiffin will wind up at UF eventually, based on his Florida ties (his ex-wife Layla is a former UF student) and his reverence for Steve Spurrier. More than a few people I’ve spoken (to) believe Florida is Kiffin’s dream job and he was upset when he was passed over for Billy Napier in 2022. This is Kiffin’s chance to fulfill his destiny.

What has been the biggest issue with DJ Lagway this season? Is his play as bad as the numbers indicate? What is the strength of this offense?

Lagway’s offseason injuries limited his development. He was unable to throw in the spring and took limited reps in fall camp due to a calf strain. He’s still struggling reading zone defenses and has been unable to establish himself as a true dual-threat quarterback due to his leg injuries. He’s coming off a game in which he threw interceptions against Kentucky and was benched, so his confidence remains shaky. Florida interim coach Billy Gonzales thinks Lagway is pressing and wants him to simplify his approach and work within the game plan. Sophomore running back Jadan Baugh has been UF’s best offensive player this season with 747 yards rushing on 5.0 yards per carry and six TDs (five rushing, one receiving).

Defensively, what do the Gators excel at? The numbers are quite flattering for the most part. Who is the best player on that unit, and how does the defense match up with Trinidad Chambliss and the Ole Miss offense?

Florida’s defense had kept the Gators in games until last week, when missed tackles and coverage busts proved costly in a 38-7 loss to Kentucky. So much of defense is effort, so you have to wonder how much UF has left in the tank during a disappointing season. Losing Caleb Banks for most of the year to a foot injury was a blow to UF’s defensive line. Linebacker Myles Graham (51 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss. four pass breakups)and cornerback Devin Moore (two interceptions, four pass breakups) have been the most consistent players on UF’s defense this season.

Is this season still salvageable? Would making a bowl game matter at this point? Did the 38-7 loss at Kentucky last weekend say anything to you, or was it a blip on the radar?

Florida players say they’re still motivated to make a bowl, and that could happen if it upsets Ole Miss, considering its last two games are at The Swamp against Tennessee and Florida State. They also wouldn’t mind playing spoiler to Ole Miss’s College Football Playoff hopes after upsetting the Rebels 24-17 last year. Florida turned the ball over four times against Kentucky, which also led to the rout, so UF is going to need to take care of the ball much better to have a shot against the Rebels.

If Florida is going to upset Ole Miss in Oxford, ___ has to happen.

Florida will need to establish the run early with Baugh and try to keep Ole Miss’ high-powered offense off the field. Winning the turnover margin and stealing some possessions, like UF did last year when it upset the Rebels, would help as well.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos