Things between LSU and Florida have been tense for a long time. But ultimately, it was a poor show from the Gators that enabled the Tigers to stifle them in a 20-10 loss yesterday. It’s not that LSU was impressive either, but Florida was much worse. The loss didn’t help the budding career of Gators DB Cormani McClain, who got his first start at CB this week. His mother, however, made sure the world knew of her son’s efforts in the doomed game.

In 2024, LSU was among the top contenders vying for McClain’s commitment when he entered the transfer portal. A year later, he ended up playing against the Tigers. Now, Florida ended up disappointing the fans big time in this game. But despite that disappointment, Cormani McClain shone, who got his first start of the season at CB. His mom, Kaishay, is standing by her son’s performance amidst the hate coming for Florida. “My baby played his heart out, & it’s still #Go gators,” she added the message on her Instagram story, which had a clip of a TV broadcasting the game and McClain’s mother cheering for her son in the background.

Accompanying that message was a moment that showed part of McClain’s prowess. The CB ran with his might to stop RB Caden Durham during his 51-yard run in the 4th quarter. Ultimately, the clock ran out for the Gators soon after, but he prevented a TD. Cormani McClain came in from Colorado in 2024, where he was once tabbed to be the best partner for Travis Hunter. Last year, he hauled in 5 tackles, 1 PBU, and 1 interception returned for a TD at Florida. He got his start early this year, after impressing fans and coaches in the offseason with his development.

The Gators’ defense still saved itself from being an astronomical failure. LSU won, but not with its full might. “We did a lot of good on defense,” Billy Napier said after the game. The side ended up restricting LSU to just 316 yards and 10 first downs. But the Florida offense took the crown for being the most disappointing unit of the night. DJ Lagway, the star of the show, was himself a huge blow to the squad, and his HC talked about his performance after the game.

Billy Napier opened up on DJ Lagway after the QB’s nightmarish performance

Lagway, before the season, was among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. He dazzled fans with his debut last year. But that show also made one thing brutally clear for Napier: Florida’s success is dependent on Lagway’s success. The QB ended up throwing 5 interceptions last night. His second, thrown before halftime, gave the Tigers a field goal opportunity, which enabled them to establish a 13-10 lead. And right at the start of the third quarter, Lagway was picked once again, and LSU’s score went up to 20. Billy Napier didn’t hold back on giving the QB his due criticism.

“It’s important, OK, for everyone to understand that he’s still a young player,” the HC told the press. However, he continues to have faith in his QB1. “He works as hard as any player that I’ve been around, and I think that tonight is not indicative of who he is as a teammate, a football player, and a leader on our team.” Lagway, unfortunately, has not had the start he wanted to for his sophomore season. He has now tallied 691 yards, 5 TDs, and 6 interceptions in total. After this loss, it’s become evident that we’re yet to see the DJ Lagway who was the star last year in this season.

“He made mistakes, much like we’ve all made mistakes, so one thing I know about him is he’ll take complete ownership of the things that he can do better, and I would say that’s my responsibility,” Napier added. With one more loss on the board, things are looking grim for the HC. We knew before the season began that the schedule was going to be tough for Florida. But not making use of the opportunities given by the defense’s good work reflects badly on the coaching staff.