The Florida Gators secured a 45-28 victory against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, taking full advantage of a talent gap. This win marked Florida’s first against an FBS team in 343 days and represented their highest point total against such an opponent during head coach Billy Napier’s tenure.
Florida’s offense was efficient, with quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway sharing the responsibilities effectively. Mertz completed 19 of 21 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Lagway achieved a perfect 7-for-7 for 76 yards, leading two lengthy touchdown drives.
Napier praised the balanced offensive performance, mentioning the strong execution of the quarterbacks and their ability to distribute the ball effectively throughout the game. This outing was particularly significant as Florida scored 28 points in the first half, their highest in any half against an FBS team under his coaching.
Despite the offensive success, Florida’s defense struggled significantly, allowing the Bulldogs to score 14 points in the first half and racking up 239 yards on the ground throughout the game. With several key defensive linemen absent, Napier expressed concern over the team’s defensive performance, emphasizing the need to improve strength in the middle of their defense.
On special teams, Florida excelled, highlighted by a crucial 47-yard field goal from kicker Trey Smack. The running back trio of Ja’Kobi Jackson, Treyaun Webb, and Jadan Baugh also made positive contributions, combining for significant yardage.
Although there were standout performances, the coaching staff faced criticism, especially concerning game management during the “middle eight” — the closing moments of the first half and the start of the second. Additionally, issues with officiating drew attention, including some questionable calls that impacted the game.
As Florida enters a bye week, there are no indications of a coaching change despite a rocky start to the season. The Gators are set to host UCF in two weeks, and there are hopes that reinforcements will return in time to bolster the team’s performance as they prepare for a challenging upcoming schedule. Napier acknowledged the areas needing improvement, particularly on defense, and stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive spirit moving forward.