The quarterback rotation of Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway proved effective for the Florida Gators as they secured a 45-28 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon in Starkville, Mississippi. Mertz delivered a standout performance, throwing three touchdown passes and running for another, while Lagway contributed significantly by leading the team on two lengthy scoring drives.
In front of 49,665 fans at Davis Wade Stadium, Florida improved to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the SEC, breaking a seven-game losing streak against Power Four conference teams. This marks their first win against a major conference opponent since defeating South Carolina on October 14, 2023.
Mertz completed three touchdown passes in the first half, helping Florida establish a 28-14 lead by halftime. Mississippi State attempted a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 28-21 with a touchdown pass from Blake Shapen to Jordan Mosely. However, Florida quickly responded, with Mertz finishing an 8-play, 75-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 35-21.
The Florida defense then executed a crucial goal-line stand early in the fourth quarter, recovering a fumble on a fourth-and-goal play to regain possession. Following this, Lagway led another impressive 93-yard touchdown drive, pushing Florida’s advantage to 42-21.
Mertz ended the game with an impressive 19 completions on 21 attempts, totaling 203 yards and three touchdowns. Lagway also performed well, completing all seven of his passes for 76 yards as the Gators amassed 226 rushing yards at an average of 6.3 yards per carry.
In terms of scoring breakdown by quarter, Florida led after each quarter: 7-7 at the end of the first, 28-14 at halftime, and 35-21 after three quarters. Mississippi State, now 1-3 and 0-1 in the SEC, managed to score in every quarter but struggled to keep pace.
Leading up to the game, Florida reported several injuries, with wide receiver Tank Hawkins available but ten players, including Eugene Wilson III and Asa Turner, ruled out.
Next, Florida is scheduled to continue their season with a bye before they face UCF on October 5, while Mississippi State will look to bounce back in their upcoming matchups.