Mississippi State is heading to Gainesville for the first time since 2010, and has an opportunity to get right in SEC play against a struggling Florida team. Billy Napier’s future is uncertain after another poor start to the season, but the Gators remain a talented roster with playmakers on both sides of the ball. They need this win as much as MSU does.
The Bulldogs haven’t gotten in the win column in conference play since 2023 and are 0-2 after two tough matchups against ranked opponents this season. A heartbreaking loss to Tennessee and a frustrating collapse on the road at Texas A&M may have brought the team back down after a hot 4-0 start, but the team retains self-belief and plenty of playmaking ability. They are more than capable of crashing Florida’s homecoming party.
Here’s what to know and where to watch MSU’s third SEC game of the season on Saturday.
What: Mississippi State at Florida
When: 3:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville
TV: SEC Network
Betting line: The Gators are 9.5 point favorites, and the over/under is set at 50.5.
Weather: Sunny, clear skies with highs in the mid-80s with light winds, per AccuWeather.
Records/rankings: The Bulldogs are 4-2, losing back-to-back games at the start of SEC play. Their last game was a 31-9 loss at No. 6 Texas A&M two weeks ago.
Florida is 2-4 with three losses to ranked teams. The Gators fell 34-17 to No. 5 Texas A&M in College Station last week.
Series history: The Gators lead the all-time series 35-19-2, winning the last two meetings in Starkville, including last year in a 45-28 win.
The last meeting in Gainesville was a 10-7 upset win by MSU, marking the first road win for the Bulldogs over the Gators since 1965.
Mississippi State update: The Bulldogs added Fluff Bothwell and Brennan Smith to the availability report this week, with both players out for the trip to Gainesville. Safety Isaac Smith and right tackle Albert Reese IV are both questionable once again.
Florida update: The Gators have six players listed as questionable and six listed as out. Tight end Tony Livingston, offensive lineman Devon Manuel were both out last week and have been limited in practice again, and defensive backs Cormani McClain and Jordan Castell are new additions to the injury report.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway has been dealing with a foot injury that has limited his mobility, but he has played through it.
Gators players to watch: QB DJ Lagway, RB Jadan Baugh, WR Vernell Brown III, LB Myles Graham, DL Brien Taylor Jr.
Prediction: The Bulldogs may not be favored in this one, but this is a golden opportunity to get a win on the road in the SEC. An open week to boost preparations and reset after two demoralizing losses has also given the team a little more time to get healthy.
The Bulldogs get an opponent that is fighting tooth and nail, but that makes it all the more meaningful when they pull away and get the win.
Mississippi State 34, Florida 20
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