Empty calories won't get the Florida Gators coach out of the firing line

• FSU's loss brought Florida fans a brief moment of joy, but gloating is delicious but empty bread. It's time to beat someone, Gators.
• Why is Billy Napier on the hot seat? A 1-7 record against rivals doesn't help. Games against Miami, UCF and FSU will be crucial.
• Florida's government is in transition. That could benefit Billy Napier.

The last three football seasons in Florida have been so bleak for Gators fans that an overdose of schadenfreude gave rise to celebration.

Florida State's loss to Georgia Tech on Saturday was the best thing to happen to Gator Nation since Netflix's eulogy documentary about the Urban Meyer era.

“Hahahaha FSU just lost! Let's all laugh at them,” one Gators fan wrote online.

When the laughter from Gators fans finally subsided, Florida was still on a five-game losing streak dating back to October, and the team had won just 17 of its last 41 games.

Schadenfreude offers a pleasant distraction. But it is not a solution.

For embattled Florida coach Billy Napier to survive this season, he must give Gators fans opportunities to revel in their successes when they're not laughing at their rivals' slip-ups.

Let me be clear: If Napier can't compete against UF's in-state rivals in year three, Florida can't justify keeping him for a fourth season.