Coach Billy Napier enters his third season with the Florida Gators, having a record of 12 wins and 16 losses overall, and 6 wins and 11 losses in the SEC, with a road record of 4-7.
The Gators are returning to Mississippi State, the site of a memorable encounter when Dan Mullen was head coach at Florida. Mullen had previously led the Bulldogs to great success, including their first-ever No. 1 ranking and a streak of seven bowl appearances. His return to Starkville led to a comeback victory for the Gators, securing a vital win during a 10-win season.
Now, with the Gators sitting at 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the SEC, they face the Bulldogs, also at 1-2 but without a conference record. Napier emphasized the need to focus on controlling the aspects the team can manage, as they prepare for this crucial league opener. The atmosphere will be intense, amplified by the loud cowbells that accompany home games.
The Gators traveled from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, about 85 miles away, and must channel energy for a challenging away game. Their previous home games against top opponents, Miami and Texas A&M, resulted in significant defeats, indicating a need for improvement. Although Mississippi State has not performed at the same level as those rivals, this game should not be underestimated.
Florida’s overall yardage stats from previous games are skewed by a dominant performance against an FCS team, as they average 398.9 yards of total offense but allow 407.3 yards defensively. The Bulldogs have shown mixed results, starting with a win over FCS Eastern Kentucky followed by losses to Arizona State and Toledo, and will come into the game eager for a turnaround.
Quarterback play will be a focal point for Florida, with Graham Mertz returning after recovery from a concussion. Mertz had a strong showing against Texas A&M, while freshman DJ Lagway also contributed. They will face a Mississippi State defense that has struggled, particularly against the run, which may favor Florida’s rushing game.
Despite the absence of an injured standout wide receiver, Mertz has built rapport with transfer players, who have become key contributors. On the opposing side, Mississippi State’s new coach Jeff Lebby has Baylor transfer Blake Shapen leading the offense, supported by a solid running game and receiving corps.
If Florida can effectively ignore outside distractions and secure a win in Starkville, it would be a significant achievement reflective of Napier’s team’s focus and resilience. The game will be broadcast starting at noon on ABC, with pregame coverage on the Gators Sports Network beginning at 9 a.m. Post-game coverage will be provided late Saturday night and the following day on FloridaGators.com.