Florida Gators Embrace Victory in Starkville
STARKVILLE, Miss — The Gators took to the road and came home with a hard-fought 45-28 win against Mississippi State, marking their first road victory of the season. After a challenging stretch of seven losses against Power Four conference teams, this win feels like a breath of fresh air for the Gators. With this victory, they also managed to snag their first SEC win since taking down South Carolina last month.
Coach Napier Reflects on the Game
While the excitement of victory was palpable, Head Coach Billy Napier had a mixed bag of emotions after the game. Despite the win, he emphasized that there is much room for improvement. “We’re capable of better,” he stated. “I think we can play better; I think we can coach better.” With a well-timed bye week on the horizon, Coach Napier believes the team has a golden opportunity to reflect and make necessary adjustments before they host UCF on October 5.
Defensive Challenges Surface
The game indeed had its ups and downs, especially on the defensive side of the ball. In a move aimed to bolster the defense, co-defensive coordinator Ron Roberts shifted from the field to the press box. Yet, this tactical change didn’t quite translate into a fortified run defense, as Florida struggled significantly, allowing a whopping 240 rushing yards at an average of 4.3 yards per carry.
Several issues were evident, particularly when Mississippi State penetrated the Gators’ defense with ease using inside-zone runs. “We’ve got to get it fixed,” Coach Napier remarked. “If you want to play really good defense, you got to be strong up the middle.” Absences due to injuries hampered the defensive lines, with notable players Joey Slackman and Michai Boireau not available. However, it was clear that defensive tackles Desmond Watson, Caleb Banks, and Cam Jackson needed to elevate their gameplay, especially against MSU’s fast-paced style.
Offensive Brilliance Shines Through
On a brighter note, the Gators’ offense showcased a dazzling performance. Quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway didn’t just connect well with their targets, but they also proved capable in the run game. The Gators finished the game with an impressive 226 rushing yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Montrell Johnson Jr., despite a rocky start with an early fumble, rushed for a commendable 68 yards on 15 carries. Meanwhile, freshman Jadan Baugh left fans on the edge of their seats with a spectacular 32-yard run.
Special Teams Step Up
This season has witnessed a remarkable turnaround in Florida’s special teams, and that was a game-changer against MSU. Wide receiver Chimere Dike electrified the crowd with a 35-yard punt return that set up Florida’s third touchdown — a seamless connection between Mertz and tight end Hayden Hansen for a solid 35-yard score. Dike credited the outstanding blocking from the jammers, allowing him to create that vital play.
Additionally, kicker Trey Smack nailed a crucial 47-yard field goal to seal the deal in the fourth quarter, while rookie Rocco Underwood exhibited tenacity with a big tackle on the Bulldogs’ returner. Although they conceded a 38-yard kickoff return, Florida’s coverage units remained strong for most of the game.
Looking Forward
With the bye week looming, Florida has a great chance to regroup and refine their strategy, putting them in an excellent position when they return to The Swamp next month for their match against UCF. The sense of relief from the victory combined with the need for improvement creates an intriguing outlook as the Gators prepare for the challenges ahead.
