Nick Saban cites lack of practice time for DJ Lagway's struggles

Despite entering the season with extremely high expectations, Florida has experienced a disastrous start to its 2025 campaign. After rolling Long Island 55-0 in their season opener, the Gators have dropped back-to-back games to USF and No. 3 LSU in the past two weeks.

Disappointing play from quarterback DJ Lagway has been a major factor in their start to the season, as he has thrown six interceptions to just five touchdowns. Five of these six interceptions came in the Gators’ 20-10 loss to LSU last Saturday.

Lagway, who was limited in practice this offseason with a shoulder injury, just hasn’t seemed to be playing at the level he was expected to. Legendary head coach Nick Saban joined the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ on Friday, where he blamed the lack of practice time for Lagway’s struggles.

“Well, I think Florida has the best roster they’ve had in a long time,” Saban said. “I think the quarterback has struggled and I think he’s struggled because he hasn’t been able to practice. He hasn’t been able to get enough reps. You know, some guys can play without practice and some guys need reps to get it right. I don’t know this guy, but he hasn’t played well because he hasn’t been able to practice much.”

“But, they have a good roster and I think if the quarterback plays better they can be a team that can just about beat anybody. This defense is good and they’ve got a big offensive line and a decent back. I think they can be pretty good.”

Mario Cristobal talks up Florida before game on Saturday

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal shared a similar sentiment on Friday’s PMS. He went as far to say that Florida is one of the best teams they’ve faced in the past four years.

“They’re one of the most talented teams we’ve seen in four years,” Cristobal said. “They’ve got speed, size, scheme and great coaching. They’re as good as any team that we have faced. We always expect everybody’s best and we’re looking forward to an unbelievable opportunity.

“In rivalry games all across the country, you’re never all the way in the win column or all the way in the loss column. It’s a back-and-forth. The energy, intensity and all the hype surrounding it is a different level. Our job is to make sure that becomes a non-factor. We focus on doing our job and not letting anything get in the way of that. But the intensity that these guys will play with, knowing that they’ve known each other since high school and youth football, is through the roof.”

No. 4 Miami and Florida will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday night on ABC. A loss would extend the Gators’ losing streak to three games and sink them to 20-22 in the Billy Napier era.