After one of its biggest wins of the season, Florida football finally earned some national recognition. This week, CBS Sports via Matt Zenitz handed that recognition to Billy Napier as SEC head coach of the week—and to Ron Roberts as SEC defensive coordinator of the week.
The honors follow Florida’s 29-21 upset victory over then-No. 9 Texas in Gainesville.
Napier guided the Florida Gators to one of their most complete efforts of the year, highlighted by a balanced offensive game plan. Quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns, earning himself the SEC Offensive Player of the Week award.
Florida’s offensive line also held the Longhorns without a single sack against one of the nation’s top defensive fronts.
For Napier, the honor represents a strong response to recent scrutiny surrounding Florida’s early-season struggles.
The Gators’ defense, commanded by Roberts, set the tone early and limited Texas to just 341 total yards and 52 rushing yards, its lowest rushing output of the season. The unit sacked quarterback Arch Manning six times and came up with two interceptions.
Under Roberts, Florida’s defense continues to rank among the SEC’s most consistent units, allowing just 16 points per game through five contests.
What’s next for the Gators
Florida will look to build on the momentum from its win when it travels to face No. 5 Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 11. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Billy Napier, Ron Roberts earn CBS Sports SEC weekly honors after Florida football’s win
Reporting by Aidan Gallardo, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
