In an electrifying Week 4 SEC showdown at Wade Davis Stadium, the Florida Gators ended a seven-game losing streak against FBS opponents with a commanding 45-28 victory over Mississippi State. Led by quarterback Graham Mertz, who passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, the Gators’ offense was relentless, piling up 503 yards of total offense.
Mertz had one of his most efficient games of the season, completing 19 of 21 passes for 201 yards. His near-flawless performance was bolstered by freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who completed all seven of his attempts for 76 yards. Together, the Gators achieved an incredible 93 percent completion rate, consistently outpacing the Bulldogs’ defense.
Florida’s ground game was equally impressive, averaging 6.3 yards per carry on 36 rushes for 226 total yards. The balanced attack allowed the Gators to keep the Bulldogs off balance, converting 6 of 9 third-down attempts and scoring touchdowns on all but three drives.
Mississippi State struggled once again to keep pace early, continuing a disturbing trend of falling behind in the first half. After being outscored 55-6 in the first halves of their previous two games against Arizona State and Toledo, the Bulldogs found themselves trailing 28-7 before a touchdown run by quarterback Blake Shapen cut the deficit to 28-14 at halftime. Shapen then connected with Jordan Mosley for a 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter, bringing the Bulldogs within a touchdown at 28-21.
However, Mississippi State’s momentum was halted in the fourth quarter, when a critical fourth-down stop by the Florida defense at the 1-yard line derailed the Bulldogs’ hopes of completing the comeback. Despite a season-high 240 yards rushing and 480 yards of total offense, Mississippi State couldn’t overcome their early struggles.
Shapen finished the game with 140 yards passing on 13 of 21 attempts, adding a rushing touchdown as well. Unfortunately, he left the game with an injury in the fourth quarter, adding to Mississippi State’s woes as they continue to search for answers under head coach Zach Arnett.
For Florida, the victory provides a much-needed boost, especially with head coach Billy Napier’s job security being a hot topic. With a bye week approaching, the Gators sit at 3-1, but questions remain about Napier’s long-term future in Gainesville. However, Saturday’s win gives the Gators momentum as they prepare for the next stretch of SEC play.
As for Mississippi State, the Bulldogs must regroup and address their slow starts, having now dropped three consecutive games. Their defense, which allowed Florida to score on all but three drives, will be the primary focus as they look to turn their season around before it’s too late.
The Gators’ next matchup after the bye week will be critical as they look to build on this breakthrough victory, while Mississippi State faces mounting pressure to avoid falling further in the competitive SEC West.
This win marks a pivotal moment for the Gators and gives the program new hope heading into the heart of the SEC schedule. However, with tougher tests looming, the stakes remain high for Billy Napier and his squad.