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It was far from perfect. But for the first time since Oct. 14, the Florida Gators defeated an FBS team, snapping its seven-game losing streak.
The Gators (2-2, 1-1 SEC) defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1 SEC) 45-28 Saturday afternoon at Davis Wade Stadium.
Florida’s defense was sloppy, allowing dozens of penalties, long conversions on third and fourth down and failing to make routine tackles. But it didn’t matter, the Gators’ offense was carried by their sixth-year quarterback Graham Mertz.
Inside the Gators‘ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Florida offensive lineman Austin Barber scored a touchdown.
The redshirt junior offensive lineman has rotated in and out of the Gators’ lineup all throughout the season as Napier experiments with his offensive line.
Florida’s offensive line has struggled immensely. However, Barber was Johnny-on-the-spot when the Gators needed him.
Florida backup quarterback DJ Lagway fumbled the ball in the end zone on a 6-yard rush during the fourth quarter. Barber dove on it and scored his first collegiate touchdown.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Mertz was nearly perfect Saturday afternoon. The former Wisconsin quarterback completed 19 of 21 passes with 201 yards and three touchdowns.
Billy Napier played Lagway half of the drives Mertz did, lessening the load for the freshman quarterback compared to the prior week. Lagway and Mertz switched every other drive against Texas A&M on Sept. 14. Neither quarterback could gather any momentum, and based on Saturday’s performance, Napier could stick with a lighter load for Lagway.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Florida’s defense is far from how an SEC program should perform. Other than a few playmakers in cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., linebackers Shemar James and Grayson Howard, there aren’t many quality defenders on Florida’s roster.
On Saturday, the Gators surrendered 28 points to Mississippi State, who only scored 17 points to Toledo the previous week. Additionally, Florida allowed nearly 250 rushing yards and 5.3 yards per play.
Florida’s third-down efficiency defensively has been abysmal and continued against the Bulldogs. Mississippi State was 11-for-19 on third down, and there were several times throughout the game where it converted on third- and fourth-and-long.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Mississippi State’s defense was unable to contain the Gators’ ground game and allowed 226 yards and two touchdowns.
Florida’s backfield looked talented, featuring four different carriers throughout the game. Senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr. led the Gators with 15 carries for 68 yards. However, Johnson did have a costly fumble early in the game, which led to a score for the Bulldogs.
Gators backup sophomore tailback Jaden Baugh looked impressive and rushed for 53 yards on four attempts.
WHAT A PLAY: While it wasn’t flashy at all, Mertz’s one-yard score in the third quarter proved pivotal to Florida’s chances of a victory.
The Gators entered the tunnel at the end of the half up 28-14. On its first drive of the third, Florida went three-and-out, then allowed a score to make it a one possession game.
Mertz’s one-yard score a drive later was extremely crucial toward maintaining UF’s momentum and earning a blowout victory. The Gators’ score Saturday could provide necessary juice and improve locker room morale as they head into their next matchup.
UP NEXT: The Gators get a break Saturday and have a bye week ahead. After that, Florida will host the Central Florida Knights at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Oct. 5. Start time has been announced yet.
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