Quarterback Blake Shapen connected with Anthony Evans III for 48 yards on the second play from scrimmage. Backup quarterback Kamario Taylor scored from two yards out to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.
Florida answered with a scoring drive but settled for a 24-yard field goal by Trey Smack after three consecutive incomplete passes in goal-to-go territory, including a questionable incompletion to tight end Hayden Hansen.
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The Gators trailed 7-3 after the opening quarter.
Baugh touchdown gives Florida Gators lead before halftime field goal extends advantage
Jadan Baugh scored on a 19-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter to put Florida ahead 10-7. The Gators extended their lead when Smack converted a 54-yard field goal late in the first half, making it 13-7.
The field goal came after a 60-yard touchdown run by Baugh was nullified due to a holding penalty on Eugene Wilson III, marking the fourth touchdown called back for Florida this season. Mississippi State missed a 41-yard field goal attempt before halftime, and DJ Lagway threw an interception on the ensuing drive to end the half.
Daniels scores on wildcat formation as Florida offense breaks third-quarter stalemate
Neither team scored in the third quarter. Florida finished an 11-play, 93-yard drive early in the fourth quarter when backup running back KD Daniels scored from one yard out on a direct-snap wildcat play. The touchdown put the Gators ahead 20-7 with 13:41 remaining.Florida lined up for a two-point conversion but was penalized for having 12 players on the field, forcing them to settle for the extra point and a 13-point lead.
Mississippi State mounts comeback as Booth touchdowns keep Bulldogs in striking distance
Mississippi State responded with a five-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Davon Booth scored from two yards out with 11:57 remaining, cutting Florida’s lead to 20-14.
After Mississippi State defenders committed two personal fouls, including a roughing-the-passer penalty that resulted in ejection of Zakari Tillman for targeting, Smack kicked a 53-yard field goal to give Florida a 23-14 lead with 6:49 left in the game.
The Bulldogs answered quickly with another five-play, 65-yard drive. Shapen completed passes to move downfield, aided by a pass interference call against linebacker Jadan Robinson. Booth scored his second touchdown from two yards out with 2:32 remaining, making the score 23-21.
Boireau interception preserves Florida Gators homecoming victory in final seconds
Florida took possession attempting to run out the clock. On third-and-1 from the Florida 34-yard line, Lagway was sacked for a seven-yard loss on a play-action pass, forcing a punt with 1:32 remaining.
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Mississippi State began its final drive at the 28-yard line. After a seven-play, 43-yard drive, defensive tackle Michai Boireau intercepted Shapen’s pass to seal the victory for Florida.
Coaching implications and injury updates impact Florida Gators-Mississippi State contest
Florida improved to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in SEC play. Head coach Billy Napier’s record moved to 22-23 in four seasons at Florida. The victory marked Florida’s fifth consecutive SEC home game win.
Mississippi State fell to 4-2 overall and 0-2 in SEC play under second-year head coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs have lost 15 consecutive SEC games dating to 2023 and are 0-11 in conference play under Lebby.
Florida goalkeeper Alisson did not play due to a hamstring injury, with Giorgi Mamardashvili starting in his place. Defensive back Jordan Castell was ruled out despite not appearing on the injury report, with walk-on Alfonzo Allen starting. Wide receiver Eugene Wilson III missed the game due to injury.
Game statistics show defensive struggles in Florida-Mississippi State matchup
Florida held a slight edge in offensive production despite Mississippi State’s explosive plays. The Bulldogs connected on several deep passes throughout the game, including multiple completions over 40 yards.
Florida recorded 10 tackles for loss and multiple sacks of Shapen. The Gators defense struggled with penalties, committing multiple personal fouls and pass interference calls in critical situations.
The win was crucial for Florida ahead of their bye week. The Gators face rival Georgia on November 1 in Jacksonville.
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Florida secured a homecoming victory despite multiple self-inflicted setbacks including four touchdown calls nullified by penalties throughout the season. Boireau’s interception marked the decisive play in preserving Florida’s two-point victory.