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The Florida Gators (3-4, 2-2 SEC) beat the Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-3, 0-3 SEC) 23-21 in their homecoming game. The Gators have won their last five SEC home games and their last seven homecoming games. The Bulldogs have now lost 15-straight against conference opponents, the longest streak in college football.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: With 1:47 left in the game, Florida had a 23-21 lead and the ball. On 3rd & 1 from the 34, Gators quarterback DJ Lagway rolled out right but was sacked by Mississippi State safety Brylan Lanier. The Bulldogs were marching downfield, looking to set up a game-winning field goal, when quarterback Blake Shapen threw the ball into the hands of Gators defensive lineman Michai Boireau at the Gators 34 yard line with 21 seconds left in the game.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: The Gators dominated the Bulldogs on the ground. Sophomore Florida running back Jadan Baugh rushed 23 times for a career high 150 yards and a touchdown. It was Baugh’s third 100+ yard rushing game of the season and fourth of his career. Baugh had nine plays of 10 or more yards. Redshirt freshman KD Daniels also ran in a touchdown after lining up in the wildcat from the 1-yard line.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Lagway was up-and-down against Mississippi State. The sophomore was 20-of-34 for 280 passing yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Gators had over 450 total yards for the third time this season. Lanier shone for the Bulldogs, getting one sack and two interceptions off Lagway.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Mississippi State tested Florida’s injured secondary. Defensive backs Aaron Gates, Dijon Johnso, and Cormani McClain did not play for the Gators. Sharif Denson and Devin Moore got injured mid-game and did not return. Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen had three completions of at least 45 yards. He had four incomplete passes over 20 yards. Shapen finished 24-of-36 with 324 passing yards and an interception. It was his first game of the season with over 200 air yards against an SEC opponent. Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson had seven catches for 153 yards.
WHAT A PLAY: Late in the second quarter, Florida lined up at the Mississippi State 15-yard line for a 34-yard field goal. A delay of game penalty pushed the Gators back to the 20. Trey Smack connected on the 39-yard attempt, but it was nullified due to an illegal use of hands penalty. Moved back 15 yards, Smack booted the 54-yarder through the uprights. Smack also made a 23- and 53-yard field goal.
UP NEXT: Florida has a bye week before facing No. 9 Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC on Saturday, Nov. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 56-44-2, with wins in the last four meetings. The game will be broadcast on ABC with a kickoff at 3:30 p.m.
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