Pat McAfee’s been on the run recently. His rather errant but kind-hearted offers on College GameDay have been a treat. Usually, the challenges involve the fans making a field goal on a makeshift strip to win money for themselves and their charity. However, he took it a step further on the penultimate weekend of the regular season.
Florida Gators HC Billy Napier joined the show virtually from the Swamp. Coincidentally, Coach Napier had a pigskin in his hand as he engaged in conversation. McAfee saw an opportunity to create a sensational bit of virality and offered to donate $1 million towards Hurricane relief if Coach made a throw that hit the crossbar from the 25. Napier failed, but only just.
Lane Kiffin was seemingly in the vicinity as his Ole Miss team prepares to face the Gators. In usual Lane Kiffin style, the opportunist texted GameDay panelist Kirk Herbstreit on air. “I woulda hit the crossbar”, the message read. Whether this was just some funny poking between the two coaches or an attempt at some mind games, neither can be put past Kiffin.
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Florida #Gators Billy Napier got peer pressured by ESPN College GameDay crew into trying to hit the crossbar from 25 yards out for $1 million to charity. The ex-Furman QB got close.
Lane Kiffin then texted Kirk Herbstreit: “I woulda hit the crossbar.”https://t.co/A09kBWioIj
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) November 23, 2024
Just last week, McAfee’s field goal-kicking contest brought about a bit of magic and a lot of eyeballs. Georgia student Henry Silver nailed his attempt from 33 yards to leave all the onlookers, including McAfee, stunned. He took home a cool $400,000 for himself and fellow student Belle Sessions. McAfee matched the same amount for hurricane relief charities. Just an overall awesome moment. Billy Napier, unfortunately, couldn’t quite rise to the table in a similar fashion, much to the dismay of audiences nationwide.
So, with Lane Kiffin. What do we think is the prognosis of his latest antic? Just some comment made in jest or an intentional ploy to gain some form of edge? He’ll perhaps take whatever little advantage he can muster as he heads into a game with a lot riding on it.
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The Rebels go to Gainesville with their CFP ambitions on the line
Florida (5-5) seemingly turned a page on their poor season last weekend. A 27-16 win over LSU didn’t just end virtually their opponents’ season. It breathed life into a flailing season for the Gators. Ever since Napier was announced to remain head coach next season, things have been trending upward. The emergence of DJ Lagway under center has been a revelation in the Sunshine State.
For Ole Miss, their opponents’ record will hardly be a source of complacency. Florida has played one of the toughest schedules of any school. For the Rebels to win and move closer to the CFP, they will have to bring their A-game to the swamp.
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Whether Florida salvages bowl eligibility out of a dismal season or Ole Miss solidifies its postseason aspirations, expect fireworks. A win for Billy Napier’s outfit would really instil confidence into the Gators’ faithful. They’ll hope his play calling is better than his QB play from earlier today!
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Is Lane Kiffin's confidence justified, or is he just stirring the pot for fun?
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Is Lane Kiffin's confidence justified, or is he just stirring the pot for fun?
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