STARKVILLE, Miss — The Florida Gators are leading the Mississippi State Bulldogs 28-14 at halftime, thanks to three touchdown passes from senior quarterback Graham Mertz during their matchup at Davis Wade Stadium.
The Gators (1-2, 0-1 SEC) are aiming to end a seven-game losing streak against Power Four conference teams, which dates back to an October 14, 2023, victory against South Carolina.
Mertz has been effective, completing 15 of 16 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, while also sharing quarterback duties with freshman DJ Lagway, who led two offensive drives compared to Mertz’s five. Mertz’s touchdown passes included a 3-yarder to tight end Arlis Boardingham, a 20-yarder to receiver Marcus Burke, and a 35-yarder to tight end Hayden Hansen. Lagway contributed with a 10-play, 91-yard drive ending in a 10-yard touchdown run by running back Ja’Kobi Jackson, which put Florida ahead 28-7 late in the second quarter.
However, the Florida defense faltered just before halftime, allowing Mississippi State to score on a quick 6-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by a 3-yard run from quarterback Blake Shapen, narrowing the gap to 28-14.
In his second season as head coach, Billy Napier is 12-16 overall, with Florida having a road record of 2-7 and 2-10 when away from home.
“When you’ve experienced a setback and maybe some failure, maybe things aren’t going the way you want them to go, there’s adversity,” Napier stated. “Do you have the ability to bring the same enthusiasm towards the work and maintain that same attitude, that positive energy? I think that’s the challenge.”
Mississippi State (1-2, 0-1 SEC), now under first-year coach Jeff Lebby, comes off a home loss to Toledo and is led by Shapen, who ranks third in SEC passing with an average of 278.0 yards per game, having thrown 7 touchdowns against 1 interception so far this season.
Florida’s defense made a crucial stand, recovering a fumble on a 4th-and-goal situation. As the third quarter progressed, Florida maintained a 35-21 lead after Mertz rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, following an 8-play, 73-yard drive.
Mississippi State fought back, scoring again with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Shapen to receiver Jordan Mosely, bringing the score to 28-21.
At halftime, the Gators outgained the Bulldogs 311-216 and received the kickoff to start the second half.
The game marks a significant moment for both teams, with Florida aiming for their first SEC win since last October and Mississippi State seeking to improve upon their recent performances.