GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No one at LSU and Florida can be happy with what happened last weekend.

The Tigers had no answer for dynamic quarterback Jalen Milroe in a 42-13 loss in Alabama. The Gators hardly stopped anyone in a 49-17 dribble in Texas.

Both are looking to bounce back from Saturday’s bogeys.

No. 21 LSU (6-3, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) bowed out of College Football Playoff contention with back-to-back losses to ranked teams, Texas A&M and then Crimson Tide. Florida (4-5, 2-4), meanwhile, was defeated for the third time this season and is trying to avoid a three-game skid.

Both insist they have plenty left to play for. The Tigers need to win to make it a third straight 10-win season under coach Brian Kelly. The Gators must win two of their remaining three to become bowl eligible.

“I’m not in a position to worry about what people are saying about the overall health of the program,” said Kelly, whose Tigers have won 10 of 13 over the past year. “We have one of the best recruiting classes in the country. Those things will continue to improve and a championship program is what we’re going to have here.”

Napier received a vote of confidence from athletic director Scott Stricklin and somewhat of a guarantee that he will stay in place through 2025. But, like Kelly, he has work to do to win back a frustrated fan base.

“What happened last weekend is not acceptable,” Napier said. “It’s not good enough. We certainly know we are capable of playing better. … Talent is never enough. And the main focus here as we approach the game is to do all the things that don’t require talent at a very high level so that we can maximize our opportunities.”

Lagway from Florida will be back

The Gators will be getting back one of their most talented players. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway is fully recovered from a left hamstring strain sustained against Georgia on Nov. 2. He could provide a much-needed spark to an offense that managed 439 yards and 27 points over six-plus quarters with Yale transfer and transfer Aidan Warner.

“It’s crazy to see how much effort he puts into playing,” left tackle Austin Barber said of Lagway. “He’s doing a good job.”

Turnover issues for the Tigers

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had six fumbles in the last six quarters, including three interceptions in the second half against Texas A&M and a fumble and two picks against Alabama.

Kelly insists he is in no danger of being benched.

Nussmeier ranks second in the SEC with 2,866 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. But his 11 interceptions are also second in the league behind only Georgia’s Carson Beck.

“Nuss is a gunslinger. Our confidence in Nuss is through the roof,” insisted LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas. “We know what he’s capable of. We know he’s a great defender.”

LSU’s unbalanced offense

Kelly suggested that one of the reasons Nussmeier has struggled recently stems from LSU’s inconsistent running game. Nussmeier threw 42 of LSU’s 66 offensive plays against Alabama.

“We need more balance on offense,” Kelly said.

More injury problems for the Gators

The Gators are hoping last week was a fluke. They played without four defensive backs, including starting cornerbacks Jason Marshall and Devin Moore, and were torched by Quinn Ewers for 333 passing yards and five touchdowns. Marshall is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Moore, safety Asa Turner and cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson have already been ruled out against LSU.

Injuries moved Trikweze Bridges to cornerback and forced sophomore Cormani McClain into a starting role.

“I’m looking forward to playing our game … and bringing that fantasy back,” Bridges said. “We didn’t meet our expectations against Texas, so we’re looking to bring what we know we can do to the game.”

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AP Sports Writer Brett Martel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.

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