Billy Napier on bounce-back win over Vanderbilt: 'In our league, you've got to have some mental toughness'

Florida faced plenty of questions in light of last week’s loss to Kentucky. It was the Gators’ second loss of the season — and first in SEC play — as they fell to the Wildcats 33-14 on the road.

For Billy Napier, there was an opportunity ahead with Vanderbilt looming in Week 6. It was Homecoming in Gainesville, which added to the need to get a victory after last week’s tough performance to fall to 3-2 on the season.

The Gators rose to the occasion, knocking off Vanderbilt 38-14 behind a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Montrell Johnson. It moved Florida to 4-2, just two wins away from last year’s win total, and Napier spoke about just how much the Gators needed to get the victory.

“I think the big thing is every week’s a new week,” Napier told SEC Network’s Tori Petry after the game. “In our league, you’ve got to have some mental toughness. You’ve got to get up off the ground, you’ve got to get back in the ring. Certainly, today was important because of Homecoming. This place is special. Our team, representing a lot of great people that came before us.

“I told them before the game, I said, ‘One day, you’ll be coming back to watch the football team play. You’ll want to be proud of what you see.’ A lot of good today. We can do some things better. But excited to go on the road next week. We’re gonna enjoy this one. We’ve got a great opportunity next week.”

Billy Napier notes Florida’s road struggles ahead of trip to South Carolina

Mertz had an impressive day at quarterback, throwing for 254 yards and three touchdowns on an efficient 30-for-36 passing. Trevor Etienne was out for the game due to injury, but Johnson stepped up to anchor the rushing attack with 135 yards and a touchdown.

Now, Florida has to go back on the road next week to take on South Carolina. The Gators haven’t played well on the road in two years under Napier, going just 1-5 through his two years at the helm. He admitted the struggles away from The Swamp, but said it will be a topic of conversation in the lead-up to next week’s game in a hostile environment.

“I think it’s gonna be a huge point of emphasis,” Napier said. “We’ve struggled on the road. It’s tough in this league. South Carolina’s got one of the best venues in the country. They’ve certainly got a really good football team.

“Look, man, we’re gonna enjoy it. I’m proud of our team, proud of our staff, the way they responded this week. Ton of respect for Vanderbilt, their staff. Clark’s incredible. Go Gators.”