DJ Lagway Faces Crucial Test as Florida Gators Take on Georgia Bulldogs

As the Florida Gators prepare to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the 102nd edition of their rivalry game, all eyes are on freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. Following the season-ending injury to starter Graham Mertz, Lagway has stepped into the spotlight and shown promising signs despite his limited experience.

Lagway’s first start this season was in Florida’s dominant 48-20 win over Kentucky, where he completed 7 of 14 passes for 259 yards and added 46 yards on the ground. While this performance was solid, it was not without its flaws, and Lagway is yet to face a defense as formidable as Georgia’s.

Former Florida quarterback and ESPN analyst Tim Tebow emphasized the critical role Lagway will play in the Gators’ chances of victory. According to Tebow, Lagway must be a quick decision maker, a threat in the run game, and capable of hitting deep balls at least once every quarter. Tebow also stressed the importance of Lagway protecting the football and avoiding forced plays.

The game, often referred to as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” will be a high-pressure situation for Lagway, who has not yet faced a rivalry game of this magnitude. Georgia’s defense, known for its ability to apply heavy pressure, will be a significant test for the young quarterback.

Despite the odds being heavily in favor of Georgia, with an 88.1% chance of winning according to the College Football Network‘s Football Playoff Meter, there is a belief that Florida can keep the game close. Lagway’s high-risk, high-reward approach could be a wildcard against a Georgia defense that has shown vulnerability to deep passes.