Coach Billy Napier has put together the school’s first top-5 class since 2013. The key now is to hold onto it while some significant cracks in the foundation have formed.

Tackle Nasir Johnson changed his commitment Wednesday to Georgia, even though 6-4 ½, 300-pound native of Dublin, Ga., still has a photo on his Twitter account wearing a Florida uniform. Johnson is the third defensive player to bail on UF during the past several days, a span when the Gators’ class has fallen from No. 3 to No. 5 per 247Sports.

“Every team has their casualties on the trail. They have their flips,” Steve Wiltfong, director of recruiting 247Sports, told the Orlando Sentinel Wednesday. “This was a big recruiting win that they had over Georgia that now they got to play against them. So it stings a little.”

Mississippi edge rusher’s Jamonta Waller’s changed his commitment to Auburn during Florida’s 52-35 loss at LSU was a cruel blow to a defense that surrendered a school-record 701 yards to the Tigers. On Sunday, cornerback Wardell Mack flipped to Texas.

Defensive tackle Amaris Williams, a top-50 prospect from North Carolina, is being doggedly pursued by Ohio State.

Whether the Gators’ class crumbles by Dec. 20’s Early National Signing Day will be critical to Napier’s long-term success after a rocky start to his tenure at Florida. The 44-year-old coach is 11-12 at Florida (5-5, 3-4 SEC) entering Saturday’s visit to No. 9 Missouri (8-2, 4-2).

“We’ll see how this class turns out,” Wiltfong said. “It’s too early. There’s still a lot of really good players in this class. There’s still a lot of reason to be very excited about the future of Florida football with this class holding together for what it is.”

Headlining the class are Daytona Beach Mainland edge rusher LJ McCray, along with DJ Lagway and Xavier Filsaime, a pair of five-star prospects from Texas. The Gators have signed a trio of highly rated linebackers, a key position of need, led by Myles Graham — the son of former UF standout running back Ernest Graham.

“There’s a lot of guys who are really locked in,” Rivals.com recruiting analyst Adam Gorney told the Sentinel. “If they love Florida, not only the direction, but the opportunity to get on the field earlier. A lot of kids are swayed by that.”

True freshmen have handled around 30% of Florida’s defensive snaps.

With that comes growing pains. The Gators ride a three-game losing streak into the Missouri game and host No. 4 Florida State (10-0) on Nov. 25.

A five-game losing streak to end Year 2 is hard to sell.

But name, image and likeness, playing opportunity, relationships with coaches and a program’s culture are other factors recruits consider.

“It just depends on who the kid is,” Wiltfong said.

Whatever Napier and Co. are touting to prospects, the Gators could use some recruiting wins as the losses mount.

“Recruiting’s about who you get, not who you don’t get. So how do they respond?” Wiltfong said. “Who’s next? Who do they get? How do they develop you know, that’s kind of where it’s at right now.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

With better scorers around him now, Richard is able to pick his spots.

During the Gators’ 89-68 win Tuesday night against Florida A&M, the 6-foot-4 junior was there when Florida needed him.

After Florida missed 13 of 14 shots to open the game, Richard drained a 3-pointer to give the Gators a 9-7 lead and followed with a layup to ignite UF’s offense on his way to a season-high 20 points.

“We’ve got so many guys that can score the ball so for me, it’s just being able to be available and being ready to shoot,” he said. “It was definitely a lot easier for teams to scout us last year because we didn’t have the options we do this year. It’s a relief playing with all the guys we have this year.”

The Belmont University transfer led four double-figure scorers.

“Tonight was Will’s night,” coach Todd Golden said. “He took advantage of his opportunities. We do have more talent that way. Depending upon the matchups and what the other team is trying to do, different guys are going to have to step up.”

Backup guard Denzel Aberdeen, a former standout at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips, backed up Richards’ two field goals with consecutive baskets, the second sparking a 6-0 run to give Florida a 20-12 lead and put the 6-foot-5 sophomore on track for a career-high 12 points.

“He’s maturing and playing really well right now,” Golden said.

FAMU (0-3) never challenged from there, but did hang around thanks to 24 points by Love Bettis.

The Gators eventually pulled away behind second-half surge led by freshman Alex Condon. The 6-foot-11 Aussie scored 16 of his 17 points after intermission and finished 6 of 7 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line in 17 minutes.

The promising 19-year-old was scoreless during 11 minutes of a 73-70 loss to Virginia on Friday.

“I felt like I was falling back into the Virginia game in the first half and I was like, ‘Nah, screw this, I’m not doing this again,'” Condon said. “The second half I just came out more aggressive.”

Condon was not the only Florida player to bounce back.

The Gators (2-1) were undone down the stretch by turnovers against Virginia, including a critical one on the final possession by Walter Clayton Jr. of Lake Wales.

He responded with 18 points, 5 assists and 1 turnovers against the Rattlers.

“I don’t do well with losing at all, especially when I feel like I was a big part of it,” Clayton said. “My teammates around me, they’ve been picking me up, telling me I’m going to be alright. Obviously, I have to learn from my mistakes.

“I played alright. Could be better.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

The Gators (5-5, 3-4 SEC) have two chances to avoid the program’s first losing regular season since 2017 and first stretch of three consecutive campaigns ending below .500 since 1945-47.

But coach Billy Napier remains steadfast his program’s trajectory and long-term prospects are on track despite an 11-12 start at UF — the worst by a Gators coach since Charley Pell went 8-14-1 in 1979-80.

“You’re equipped with faith. You’re equipped with discipline, your ability to come up with solutions,” he explained Monday. “You’ve got to be tough-minded. You’ve got to have endurance. You’ve got to be able to persevere. You’ve got to surround yourself with really good people.

“It’s not like we thought we’re going to run the table the first year. It is what it is.”

Napier faces plenty of questions, along with some signs of hope, as he pushes to avoid a five-game skid to end Year.

Does Eli Drinkwitz’s fourth-year bounce at Mizzou bode well for Napier?

Picked to finish sixth in the SEC East, a spot behind the Gators, the Tigers (8-2, 4-2) are among the nation’s biggest surprises.

A contract extension and raise in November 2022 were surprising at the time, but proved to be a vote of confidence Drinkwitz has rewarded with a breakout season. The only losses were a 49-39 shootout loss at home to LSU and 30-21 decision at top-ranked Georgia undecided until late in the game.

Last Saturday’s 36-7 rout of Tennessee might be Drinkwitz’s signature victory. A win against Florida would be be another notch in the 40-year-old’s belt against a big-name brand.

Drinkwitz already had significantly improved the Tigers’ recruiting, signing three consecutive top-35 classes from 2021-23. The current crop features the nation’s top-rated edge rusher, Williams Nwaneri of Lees Summit, Mo.

Recognizing Missouri’s attack needed a boost, the offensive-minded coach gave up play calling duties after last season.

Drinkwitz’s self-awareness along with Missouri’s patience and support have paid off on the field. Whether Napier receives similar consideration remains the looming question.

Drinkwitz entered Year 4 in Columbia 17-19, a position Napier easily could find himself after a 2024 season with a young team facing arguably the toughest schedule in Florida history. Following in Missouri football’s footsteps is not Napier’s ultimate goal, but the 44-year-old should hope he and the Gators are on a similar path.

Has offense improved enough Napier will consider calling plays again in 2024?

UF’s attack has gained traction, developed young playmakers and scored more points since a sluggish start to 2023.

While there is a lot more to like lately, Florida’s offensive success should not necessarily convince Napier to stay the course.

The Gators averaged 34 points the past five games, but four of those performances were against SEC teams — Vanderbilt, LSU, South Carolina, Arkansas — allowing more yards per play than any school but Florida. Georgia, the SEC’s top defense, held the Gators to 20 points, one point more than UF averaged during the season’s first four contests against FBS competition.

Even as the offense has picked up, Florida has suffered too many empty possessions during its three-game losing streak. The Gators scored 12 touchdowns and kicked three field goals on 37 drives against Georgia, Arkansas and LSU, while recording 10 three-and-outs, fumbling twice and failing on a fourth-down try.

Florida conversion rate was 36.9% (17 of 46), including 20% on fourth down (1 of 5).

Quarterback Graham Mertz’s play has been a major plus, highlighted by an SEC-leading 73.3% completion rate along with 18 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. Freshman receiver Eugene Wilson III is a future star while senior Ricky Pearsall, with 876 yards, is on pace to become the first 1,000-yard receiver at UF since Taylor Jacobs in 2002.

Yet, UF completed just two throws longer than 30 yards the past two games and has an SEC-low 11 such pass plays in an era when chunk plays are pivotal. LSU had five 30-yarders against the Gators, including two in one drive.

Florida will face high-scoring offense and much better defenses in Missouri and FSU. The Tigers are 31st in scoring offense (32.8) and 44th in scoring defense (22.3); FSU is 13th (38.3) and 15th (17.3). If the Gators cannot keep pace, the recent offensive success might have been a facade.

What’s with Austin Armstrong?

The defensive coordinator was the program’s golden boy after four games. He since has been no better than predecessors Patrick Toney and Todd Grantham.

The 2023 D has fallen from No. 10 nationally after to Week 4 to 75th after allowing a school-record 701 yards in a 52-35 loss at LSU last weekend.

It gets worse.

The Gators are 129th of 133 teams in yards allowed per play (6.57) and last in pass plays yielded of 40 yards or longer. Four teams have fewer than Florida’s 7 takeaways.

UF is 93rd in red-zone defense, 96th in sacks and 106th in tackles for loss.

Among the culprits are leading tackler Shemar James’ season-ending knee injury, sophomore cornerback Devin Moore’s inability to stay healthy, shaky play by experienced corners Jason Marshall Jr. and Jalen Kimber and a youth movement featuring true freshmen accruing around 30% of snaps.

LSU star quarterback Jayden Daniels’ 85-yard touchdown run was to a side of the field featuring three first-year players, cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson and safeties Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton.

Armstrong’s approach also deserves examination. The 30-year-old relied heavily on man-to-man coverage at LSU, allowing Daniels to take off with defenders’ backs to him and pick up long gains.

During the Arkansas loss, the Gators repeatedly blitzed quarterback KJ Jefferson from the outside despite his inconsistency as a passer. This allowed him to lean on his strength with runs up the middle against a defense without starting linemen Cam Jackson and Tyreak Sapp.

Armstrong quickly appeared an upgrade, but like Toney and Grantham is overseeing one of Florida’s worst-ever defenses.

Does a cold shoulder await on the road?

Leaving the Sunshine State for November’s nippy conditions has not been kind to the Gators. During the past 10 seasons, they’ve played four games in sub-50 degree conditions and lost three.

The Gators fell 36-17 in 2013 at Missouri, where the temperature was 45 at kickoff. A 28-20 loss in 2017 at South Carolina kicked off when it was 49. Then there was last season’s 31-24 debacle at Vanderbilt on a 38-degree day.

The only Florida win in chilly conditions was a 23-6 decision during Barry Odom’s final season at Missouri in 2019, when the thermometer read 43 at kickoff.

Temperatures are forecast to be in the 30s Saturday night. A Midwestern chill and Napier’s 2-8 record away from the Swamp could leave the Gators out in the cold.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

The Gators (3-0) were led by Aliyah Matharu with 22 points, followed by Laila Reynolds’ first 20-point game.

“We’ve been doing a lot of focusing on getting everybody involved in the paint and outside of the paint,” said Matharu, a Texas transfer. “With me not playing for a year I’m pretty hungry on both ends of the ball. It’s clicking for me. It’s working for me.

“My teammates are finding me I’m trying to find them and do my best with that. I’m also in a new position so just getting different looks and getting comfortable with them has made a big difference.”

The 3-0 start marks the 10th time Florida has accomplished that.

Florida leads the series with Florida A&M 12-5, including five wins in a row.

The Gators are on a 25-game home winning streak during non-conference competition, the second-longest such run in school history.

“I’ve started to get really comfortable on the court and that’s because of my teammates helping me out,” Reynolds. “Being able to get this type of confidence is something I have been working on at practice and also just being able to push myself to better the team has always been my motivation to work harder.”

The Gators close their season-opening four-game homestand Friday vs. No. 12 Florida State. That matchup is the first in a UF-FSU with the men’s team.

The Seminoles enter 2-0 after a 92-91 home win against then-No. 11 Tennessee on Thursday.

But money won’t buy time — an increasingly precious commodity in the SEC.

Texas A&M axed Jimbo Fisher Sunday despite his $77 million buyout. A day later, Mississippi State jettisoned first-year coach Zach Arnett after just 10 games. Arkansas’ Sam Pittman is expected to be the next man out.

“It’s been that way in this league for a long time,” Napier said Monday. “You know what you sign up for. We all do.”

Napier’s position at UF is much more secure even though his team battles to avoid the program’s first losing regular season since 2017. The 44-year-old’s record is 11-12, but he’s only in Year 2 of a 7-year, $51.8 million deal with a current buyout of nearly $32 million.

More than financial concerns, Napier’s eye for talent, vision for his program and focus on his players as student-athletes have earned him currency at UF although the quality of football remains rough around the edges — even on its better days.

Athletic director Scott Stricklin has supported Napier at every turn, regardless of his team’s on-field struggles.

The Gators allowed a school-record 701 yards during last Saturday’s 52-35 loss at LSU, marking Florida’s third straight loss and fourth consecutive game allowing at least 39 points — a first for a program dating to 1906.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Napier said. “I do believe in what we do and how we do it. There’s always adjustments that are required. We have tremendous leadership here. We have great resources. We have a tremendous product to sell.

“This place has done it before, and I’m firmly confident that we’re capable of doing it again.”

While Napier is convinced in his plan, the pressure to produce can come to bear more quickly in America’s top football conference — home to 13 of the past 17 national champions, including the 2006 and 2008 Gators.

The Gators (5-5, 3-4 SEC) are 11-point underdogs as they prepare for Saturday night’s visit to No. 14 Missouri (8-2, 4-2). If Florida loses, the Gators will host No. 4 Florida State (10-0) pushing to salvage their season on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in a sold-out Swamp.

Failing to reach a bowl game and closing with five straight losses will further intensify the spotlight on Napier entering a critical off-season.

The Gators’ 2024 class will be a focal point and remains among the nation’s best despite falling a spot to No. 4 in 247Sports rankings behind FSU. Mississippi edge rusher Jamonta Waller and cornerback Wardell Mack flipped their commitments during the weekend — Waller to Auburn and Mack to 2024 SEC newcomer Texas, a Gators’ opponent on the road next season.

Staffing is another hot-button topic.

The Gators’ season-long issues on special teams call into question the wisdom to have analyst Chris Couch, who had a similar role with Napier at Louisiana, to oversee the operation rather than using a full-time assistant. Calls have been just as loud for Napier to hire an offensive coordinator and cede play-calling duties.

Florida head coach Billy Napier, right, talks with quarterback Graham Mertz during the Gators’ loss to Arkansas Nov. 4 in Gainesville. (AP Photo/John Raoux)Yet Napier’s attack has found better footing during the season’s second half, averaging 34 points the past five games. Florida managed just 19 points a game during the team’s first four FBS games.

“Most weeks I’d like to have one or two more scores a game,” he said. “I think we’re sound in what we do. We have developed more consistency.

“Early on we had some issues.”

Napier saw faster results at Louisiana, where he was 33-5 in three season following his 7-7 debut in 2018. But he did not expect a quick fix at UF, even if a vocal segment of the fan base wonders about what’s taking so long.

“Since when have college fan bases been patient? That’s what I’d like to know,” Napier said. “Everywhere I’ve been, the fan base is impatient in my life.”

Napier himself is anything but, though losing as many games as he did during four seasons at Louisiana was not part of the master plan, either.

“These are well thought-out decisions,” he said. “You don’t just flip a coin to decide to be the head coach of the Florida Gators. For me, you go into it with a strategy and a plan. You adapt. You evolve. You adjust.

“We’re in the middle of our process.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

• Turning points (3:24)
• Thumbs up (8:42)
• Thumbs down (11:49)
• Second-guess (17:44)
• Game ball (22:02)
• Biggest concern (25:45)
• On the spot (34:00)
• Billy’s banter (36:24)
• SEC coaches dropping (42:49)
• Jeremy Foley’s Corner (49:37)

On the other side of the field, Billy Napier’s Gators (5-5, 3-4 SEC) were picking up the pieces and searching for answers. UF kept it close into the fourth quarter but could not keep up with a video-game offense led by a human joystick.

Here are 3 things learned Saturday night in Tiger Stadium:

Florida’s defense is getting worse by the week

The most explosive player in college football squared off against one of the SEC’s worst defenses. Each experienced record-setting results.

Daniels became the first FBS player with 350-plus passing yards (372) and 200 rushing yards (234) during a single game as the Gators allowed a school record 701 yards. The Tigers (7-3, 5-2) averaged 11.5 yards per play.

Ranked 10th nationally in total defense after Week 4, the Gators have since been in a precipitous decline.

While Saturday night was a historical low point, Daniels and Co. are the best attack Florida has faced. Yet no opposing offense has faced much resistance for some time.

The Gators allowed 39 points during four straight games for the first time since World War I. A week after Arkansas racked up 39 points and 481 yards during an upset win in the Swamp, the Razorbacks managed just 255 yards during a 48-10 drubbing by Auburn at home.

Napier provided a laundry list of reasons for the Gators’ free fall while defending coordinator Austin Armstrong. The 30-year-old has gone from being viewed as a wunderkind to some wondering whether he is over his head.

“The unit’s performance is a reflection of a lot of people, not one guy,” Napier said. “It’s position coaches. It’s analysts. It’s GAs. It’s the scout offense. It’s the head coach.  It’s the strength coach.”

Add Florida’s players to the list.

Daniels had eons to throw, slipped too many tackles and strolled through a secondary lacking physicality.

An infusion of defensive talent is imperative, and seemingly pending. The 2024 class features plenty of talented defenders to join a 2023 class with several promising players gaining valuable experience, including ends Kelby Collins and TJ Searcy and defensive backs Jordan Castell and Ja’Keem Jackson.

Yet one of the plums of the upcoming class, Mississippi’s Jamonta Waller, added insult to injury when the nation’s No. 5 edge rusher flipped his commitment to Auburn during the LSU game. If a continued exodus ensues, fixing the ‘D’ won’t be easy.

Keep Trevor Etienne happy

The sophomore tailback is Florida’s best playmaker and built for big moments.

The sophomore star turned a hat trick during his first trip to Tiger Stadium, scoring 3 touchdowns while rushing for 99 yards despite splitting time with junior Montrell Johnson Jr.

The two Louisiana natives combined for 239 yards from scrimmage during their homecoming.

Johnson showcased his toughness and versatility to compile 70 yards rushing and 65 receiving. Etienne displayed another gear, combined with vision and cutting ability few possess.

The Gators cannot afford for his eyes to wander toward a better opportunity in the age of transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness.

A winning program with deep pockets and a hole at tailback is sure to pursue Etienne. In addition to Florida, his top five schools included Clemson, where his brother Travis starred; and LSU, 90 miles east of his native Jennings; plus Georgia and Alabama — the nation’s top two programs.

Etienne will have options. On Napier’s long list of offseason priorities, the 19-year-old should be his top recruit.

Resilience is the best thing the Gators got going

Like Gainesville native Tom Petty, these Gators do not back down.

It says something about the second-year coach’s culture that his players show fight, battle back from deficits and give Florida a chance. Napier’s team led LSU only 1:07 of game time, but were nip-and-tuck with the Tigers until well into the fourth quarter.

Stopping LSU three times from the 1 to keep the score tied at 7-7 was a moment to build on.

“It says a lot about our heart, our mentality, and how far we’ve really come as a team and even as just a defense,” veteran linebacker Derek Wingo said.

Driving 70 yards late with the game decided was another sign of resolve, although the Gators failed to score.

“I never thought it slipped away until right at the end,” quarterback Graham Mertz. said. “These guys are never gonna quit. You saw that in the last drive.”

Florida’s fight is laudable. Yet continually coming up short also says something about coaching, talent and the quality of opponents in the SEC.

If Napier tweaks his staff, shifts his offensive philosophy, stocks talent and maintains this fight-to-the-finish ethos, the Gators might be able to get back on track.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

All of them by name.

The Gators (5-5, 3-4 SEC) showed plenty of fight on offense Saturday night at Tiger Stadium, but Daniels and the Tigers (7-3, 5-2) proved too much to overcome during their 52-35 victory.

The LSU star’s Heisman campaign rolled on at the expense of the Tigers’ longstanding rival during their final meeting as SEC division crossover foes.

“They’ve got an elite group of players, and they were tough to stop,” coach Billy Napier said. “We stopped them a handful of times, but not enough.”

With a sellout crowd of 102,231 looking on, Daniels threw for 372 yards and 3 scores plus rushing for 234 yards and 2 scores on 12 carries as the Tigers compiled 701 yards — the most ever gained against the Gators.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound senior shook off an inconsistent first half and led his team to touchdowns on LSU’s five second-half drives.

“He’s a great competitor. He’s a great athlete,” Florida linebacker Derek Wingo said. “He’s able to run the ball, throw the ball, do everything that great quarterbacks can do. We didn’t execute certain things, and he was able to take advantage.”

The performance raised questions about the continued decline of a defense now headed by 30-year-old coordinator Austin Armstrong. The Gators visit No. 14 Missouri Saturday and host No. 4 Florida State Nov. 25 in the Swamp looking to avoid the program’s first losing regular season since 2017.

“Austin would tell you that he could do his job better,” Napier said. “That’s what he would tell you. There’s nobody who wants to do it more than he does. The unit’s performance is a reflection of a lot of people, not one guy.

“We all like to think in those terms.”

The stakes were not as high as might be expected between two SEC blue bloods. The action, though, was at fever pitch, especially during a third quarter featuring 5 touchdowns, 370 yards and the Gators’ only lead of the game.

A 1-yard keeper by quarterback Graham Mertz gave the Gators a 28-24 lead, but LSU led all but 1:07 as Florida could not contain Daniels.

Following the Gators’ go-ahead score, Daniels completed a pair of 12-yard throws before taking off from the pocket for a 51-yard touchdown run.

“He plays that are hard that you struggle with are the ones where you match the pattern, you compress the rush lanes and then one guy can’t finish on him and he’s loose,” Napier said.

Daniels’ 6-yard touchdown pass on LSU’s next series to running back Noah Cain pushed the Tigers’ advantage to 38-28.

The Gators, though, would not go away.

A 5-yard run by Trevor Etienne to cut the lead to 38-35 with 10:27 to go, marking the third touchdown for Florida’s sophomore star who grew up 90 miles west of Tiger Stadium in Jennings.

“You can tell this was special for him,” Napier said. “When given opportunities tonight, he was elite.”

Daniels answered with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr., who finished with a team-leading 150 receiving yards and 2 scores. SEC yardage leader Malik Nabers chipped in 132.

Trailing 45-35, the Gators’ hopes effectively ended when Mertz’s pass to freshman Eugene Wilson III was incomplete on 4th-and-3 from the UF 49.

Florida’s loss was its fifth straight for the first time in the longstanding series dating to 1937 and played every year since 1971. The Gators won nine straight meetings from 1988-96.

The defeat dropped Napier to 11-12 during his second season in Gainesville.

“For us to go where we want to go here, as an organization, as a program, as a team, every single part of our organization is going to have to work their tail off,” he said. “We have to be relentless.”

Daniels’ drive, determination and transcendent talent helped him turn a trying week into a record-setting night.

LSU’s QB entered the week in concussion protocol following a brutal hit during a loss to Alabama. By Thursday, he was cleared for full contact.

On Saturday night, he became the second player in SEC history with 200 passing yards plus 200 rushing yards in a game, joining Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel from the 2013 Cotton Bowl.

Daniels gave credit to God.

“I can’t explain it honestly,” he said. “It’s just how he created me. He made he able to be tough and get through stuff quickly. It just worked out.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Walter Clayton Jr. scored at the basket to tie the game at 69-69 with 1:18 to play, but his free throw with 51 seconds left to pull the Gators to 71-70 was the last point Florida would score. Buchanan hit the first of two from the foul line with 11 seconds left that made it 72-70, and Reece Beekman hit the second of two free throws to set the final margin.

“I thought we did a great job to start. We were ready to play. Our starters did a really good job early,” Gators coach Todd Golden said. “Obviously, we made some substitutions and it went the other way quick. I felt like we didn’t gather ourselves very well after that.”

Buchanan hit 10-of-16 free throws and finished with 18 points to lead Virginia (2-0). Beekman added 13 points, 5 assists and 4 steals and Jacob Groves scored 12 points.

Will Richard led five Gators (1-1) in double-figure scoring with 16 points. Micah Handlogten scored 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Riley Kugel also scored 14, and Clayton added 12.  Tyrese Samuel added 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Handlogten and Samuel became the first Gators duo to post double-doubles in the same game since Kerry Blackshear Jr. (11 points, 16 rebounds) and Omar Payne (19 points, 11 rebounds) did so against Auburn on Jan. 18, 2020.

UP NEXT: Virginia plays host to North Carolina A&T Tuesday. Florida plays host to Florida A&M Tuesday.

The No. 19 Tigers (6-3, 4-2) average an SEC-leading 45.2 points behind star quarterback Jayden Daniels, a Heisman candidate listed as probable after a vicious hit during last week’s loss at Alabama placed him in concussion protocol for three days.

Florida’s SEC high point total came during a dramatic 41-39 comeback at South Carolina, a big road win that still fell short.

“Our goal points to score each game is 42,” tailback Montrell Johnson Jr. said Wednesday. “If we don’t reach that goal, coach is mad about it.”

Napier’s frustration with inconsistency is hard to miss.

During last Saturday’s 39-36 overtime loss to Arkansas, Florida (5-4, 3-3 SEC) quickly erased a 14-0 deficit but then managed to kick a field goal and punted five times during the next six possessions.

“We’re five or six [plays] away from lighting it up pretty good,” he said Wednesday.

Johnson said “small mistakes” are holding back the Gators.

“One person out of the 11 just not executing, not winning their one-on-one battles, just having mental mistakes,” he said. “Once we get those cleaned up, the sky’s the limit.”

Time is running out.

A Nov. 18 trip to No. 14 Missouri and Nov. 25 visit from No. 4 Florida State will require the Gators’ attack to maximize possessions, score points and keep the pedal to the metal for four quarters.

UF averages 28.9 points 2023, but 33.8 during the past four games — a total that surely will have to increase to beat LSU.

“We have the ability to move the ball and create points,” Napier said. “Our skill players are growing. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past.

“Ultimately you have to keep up with them. That’s the No. 1 challenge.’

Quick slant: Florida has lost eight of 10 meetings against LSU. The Gators last won in Baton Rouge courtesy of a 16-10 decision in 2016 with a defensive stand on the final play. The two schools have met every seasons since 1971. The all-time series is tied at 33-33-3.

Coaches: Napier, 11-11 in 2nd season (51-23 overall); Brian Kelly, 16-7 in 2nd season (300-104-2 overall)

About Florida: To keep pace with the Tigers, quarterback Graham Mertz must capitalize on an LSU defense yielding 6.24 yards per play, ranking 13th among 14 SEC teams. Mertz has been the model of efficiency. He leads the league with a 73.9% completion rate and has 17 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. But he’s completed an SEC-low 10 pass plays of at least 30 yards and needs to attack. True freshman Eugene Wilson III has been increasingly difficult to contain with 19 catches for 154 yards and 3 TDs the past two games. Meanwhile, the Gators’ defense cannot consistently contain anyone. Struggling Arkansas rolled up a season-high 481 yards against a unit yielding 6 yards per play, 12th in the SEC. The return of tackle Cam Jackson and end Tyreak Sapp will help. Seven true freshmen defenders played at least 10 snaps against Arkansas. End Kelby Collins maximized his opportunity, recording 7 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Making his first start at UF, Houston transfer linebacker Mannie Nunnery tallied 10 tackles and will be key to slowing Daniels.

About LSU: Daniel’s leads the nation in total offense (386.2 ypg) and passer rating (199.85), the SEC with 27 touchdown passes and has rushed for 684 yards and 6 scores a season after he ran for 3 touchdowns to beat Florida 45-35 in the Swamp. Receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. have combined for 21 touchdown catches, tight end Mason Taylor is a matchup problem and bruising tailback Logan Diggs has 635 rushing yards and 6 scores. But LSU’s defense has given every opponent a chance and cost the Tigers games. The units allowed an average of 47.3 points in three losses. With just 4 sacks, sophomore linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. has not made the expected Year 2 jump, but he could capitalize on a struggling Gators’ offensive front. UF does catch a break because star tackle Mekhi Wingo is out with a leg injury. Long the backbone of top defenses, LSU’s secondary has been a lower-tier SEC unit, allowing 16 touchdowns (11th in the league) and an average of 236.3 yards (tied for 10th).

3 things to watch

Explosive pass plays for LSU. The Tigers lead the SEC with 26 pass plays of at least 30 yards — 14 going for 40 or longer. The Gators have allowed a SEC-worst 14 40-yard pass plays. Daniels, Nabers and Co. could have a field day.

Touches for Wilson and Trevor Etienne. The freshman phenom and sophomore star tailback cannot touch the football enough at LSU — and beyond. Etienne compiled 206 all-purpose yards against Arkansas while Wilson scored twice. The Gators have other talented weapons, led by senior Ricky Pearsall, but none is a home-run threat akin to Wilson and Etienne.

Tiger Stadium at night. The Gators field one of the nation’s youngest teams, with 12 true freshmen appearing in every game. How this group handles one the SEC’s toughest environments will be critical. Since 2000, LSU is 93-11 at Tiger Stadium under the lights.

Where: Tiger Stadium

When: 7:30 p.m.

TV: SEC Network; Radio: ESPN FM 98.1/AM 850 WRUF, Sirius/XM 382

Weather: 68 degrees, 55% rain chance

Favorite: LSU 14.5 points

Online: orlandosentinel.com/gators; @osgators on X.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com