Mississippi State at Florida
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville
When: Saturday, 4:15 p.m.
TV: SEC Network
Weather: 83 degrees, 0% rain chance
Latest line: UF is favored by 9.5 points
Coaches: Jeff Lebby is 6-12 at Mississippi State; Billy Napier is 21-23 at UF, 61-35 overall
Quick slant: Florida has won six of its last seven home games, the sole loss an 18-16 stunner Sept. 6 against USF. Dating to a 7-3 win Oct. 21, 2023 at Arkansas, Mississippi State has lost 14 straight SEC games, including 10 under Lebby. The school’s last trip to Gainesville for UF’s homecoming ended in a 10-7 win for Dan Mullen’s Bulldogs against Urban Meyer’s Gators in his final season at UF.
About Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC): The Bulldogs’ up-tempo attack averages 72.2 snaps, fourth in the SEC, but managed just 51 during a 31-6 loss Oct. 4 at Texas A&M. The Bulldogs are coming off their first bye week, giving Lebby an extra week to add some offensive wrinkles.
About UF (2-4, 1-2): The Gators have not scored during the fourth quarter in four straight games, dating to a Sept. 13 loss at LSU. In two appearances at home, including the April 12 spring game, true freshman receiver Dallas Wilson has 16 receptions for 301 yards and 4 touchdowns. UF averages just 6.7 missed tackles, down from 11 in 2024.
Three things to watch
1. Austin Barber and UF’s offensive line. The redshirt senior left tackle had a rough night during Florida’s 34-17 loss Oct. 11 at Texas A&M. The rest of the O-line didn’t fare much better as the Aggies recorded 3 sacks, 4 hurries and harassed quarterback DJ Lagway all night. Mississippi State, though, has just 8 sacks.
2. Explosive plays. Florida has three plays of 40 yards or longer, tied for 14th in the SEC with Kentucky and one more than Oklahoma. Mississippi State has 11 plays of 40 yards or longer, tied with Vanderbilt for second in the SEC behind Ole Miss (12).
3. The crowd. Another sellout is expected at the Swamp, where fans are sure to voice their displeasure if the Gators struggle. One questionable play call, head-scratching time out, costly penalty or lackluster series are sure to bring boos showering down on Napier.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
