Florida coach Billy Napier operates best with his back against the wall . For a second straight year, his Gators looked dead in the water before the midway point of the season.

And, for a second straight year, Napier might be on the path back to redemption after Florida notched its second win of the season in a stunning 29-21 upset of No. 9 Texas . At the very least, his seat has cooled for another week.

It's a movie that Florida fans have seen before. Fresh off a losing season in 2023, Florida started 4-4 in 2024, including a 13-point loss to unranked Texas A&M , a 24-point loss to Miami and a 14-point loss to Georgia .

But just days after that loss to Georgia, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin reaffirmed his faith in his embattled football coach. A rejuvenated

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