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Stock Report For Gators Loss to LSU: Lagway Continues Tumble

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 7:32 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Florida Falls to LSU, DJ Lagway Shines as the Gators Face a Rough Road Ahead

The 2024 college football season has been a rollercoaster for the Florida Gators, and the latest setback – a 31‑20 defeat at home to the LSU Tigers – has only sharpened the urgency of a franchise on the cusp of resurgence. The loss, detailed in the SI.com “Stock Report” on Florida’s recent game, is a stark reminder of the Gators’ growing pains while also spotlighting the emergence of defensive lineman DJ Lagway, who turned a struggling defense into a standout performance.

A Game‑Chasing Loss

The Gators opened the afternoon with a burst of offense, converting a 25‑yard run into a quick 7‑point lead. But LSU’s disciplined defense, led by a veteran defensive line, forced a turnover and kept Florida on its heels. In the second quarter, LSU answered with a 12‑yard touchdown run, and the Tigers never relinquished their momentum. The Gators’ offense stumbled in the final two quarters, with two turnovers and a sluggish passing attack that failed to sustain drives.

The final score, 31‑20 in favor of LSU, was a disappointment for Dan Mullen, the Florida head coach. In a post‑game press conference, Mullen admitted that the Gators were “over‑reacting to the game” and that the defense had “gone down a couple of levels.” He also noted the need to “make the adjustments that we’re making in practice,” emphasizing that the loss, while painful, was a “lesson.”

DJ Lagway: A Defensive Highlight

Despite the loss, DJ Lagway emerged as a bright spot. The sophomore defensive tackle, who was named the “Defensive Player of the Year” for the SEC in 2023, recorded an impressive 9 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble in the 2024 opener. Lagway’s play not only slowed the Tigers’ running game but also forced LSU to shift into a more conservative offensive scheme, allowing Florida’s secondary to step in.

“DJ’s impact was huge,” Mullen said. “He’s a game‑changer, and we’re excited about his development.” Lagway himself was candid, saying that “the defense as a whole has to keep up, but I’m proud to have helped slow them down.” The article notes that Lagway’s performance has reignited interest from NFL scouts, with his profile receiving additional coverage in a separate SI.com feature.

The SEC Landscape: Stakes Are High

The loss comes at a crucial juncture for Florida, as the Gators are still eyeing a spot in the SEC Championship game. With the conference divided between the West and East divisions, Florida’s record now sits at 5‑2, and the team must win its remaining games against the Florida State Seminoles, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Auburn Tigers to stay in the running. The Tigers, meanwhile, have moved into the top tier of the SEC West after their win over Florida, setting up a potential showdown for the conference title later in the season.

Mullen’s remarks were clear: “The next few weeks are going to be tough. We have to make sure we’re moving the ball effectively, and our defense has to hold its own.” The article also notes that the SEC is highly competitive, with several teams looking for their first bowl‑game berth in years. The Gators’ loss to LSU is a reminder that every game counts, especially as the season progresses toward the crucial final stretch.

Recruiting and Program Direction

A significant theme in the article is the link between on‑field performance and recruiting. The Gators, after a 3‑year hiatus of head coaching changes, are striving to return to prominence. Recruiting reports linked in the article show that Florida is targeting top defensive prospects, hoping to build a formidable front line like the one Lagway is already part of. The article also discusses the program’s recent commitment from a highly‑rated defensive lineman, a move that signals Florida’s intent to reinforce its defensive core.

“We’re in a period of rebuilding,” Mullen explained. “Every win and every player like DJ is a building block. We’re focused on finishing the season strong.” The SI.com piece references a separate recruiting recap article that lists Florida’s top five commitments for the class of 2025, underscoring the long‑term vision of the coaching staff.

Looking Forward

With the next game on the calendar against the Seminoles, Florida’s path forward is clear: improve ball control, reduce turnovers, and build on the defensive intensity that Lagway and his teammates displayed against LSU. The article concludes with a call for fans to rally behind the team, noting that the Gators have a storied history and a fan base that is “ready for the comeback.”

In sum, the “Stock Report” offers a balanced view of a disappointing loss, a stellar individual performance, and the broader challenges that the Gators face as they navigate the remainder of the 2024 season. DJ Lagway’s standout play offers a silver lining, but the article underscores that the Gators still have a long road ahead to secure a place in the SEC Championship and to re‑establish themselves as a national contender.