For the first time since beating South Carolina last October, Florida has beaten an FBS team. An alarming stat, the Gators are relieved to finally beat another SEC opponent. Taking down the Mississippi State Bulldogs 45-28, the Gators improved to 2-2 on the season. Arguably the worst team in the SEC, the Bulldogs were unable to stop this Florida offense. With the Gators desperate for a win, they did enough to steal one in Starkville. With a bye coming up next weekend, the Gators will get some much-needed rest. Despite the victory, there was plenty of room for improvement, as the Gators’ defense struggled once again. Head coach Billy Napier will now get an extra week to train and prepare his team for their upcoming challenges. The Gators will need to take this bye week extremely seriously, as the schedule only gets harder, starting with UCF.
Gators Relieved: Miss State Analysis
New Faces
Fans were certainly relieved that the Gators offense incorporated some of their younger playmakers. Young running backs and receivers were given opportunities to make plays, and they did not disappoint. Wide receiver Marcus Burke scored his first career touchdown for the Gators on a double move. Redshirt freshman receiver Aidan Mizell added 36 yards and had a long touchdown negated by a penalty. Napier was finally able to scheme up some creative play calls, which resulted in this offensive explosion. At the running back position, four different running backs received carries. Montrell Johnson Jr. led the way with 68 rushing yards; however, the young running backs made some plays. Key backup Treyaun Webb added 41 on the ground, while Jadan Baugh averaged a ridiculous 13.3 yards per carry. Ja’Kobi Jackson got in on the fun and added a touchdown on the ground on a physical run.
Offense Improved
Still deciding to rotate his quarterbacks, Napier’s game plan this weekend was much more successful. Both Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway were able to get into a rhythm and lead scoring drives. Graham Mertz had his best outing of the season, going 19/21 for over 200 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. Adding another touchdown on the ground, this was the Mertz that many fans were hoping to see. Not to be upstaged, Lagway did not throw a single incompletion. Going 7/7 for 76 yards, Lagway showed his live arm and dual-threat abilities, adding 22 rushing yards. Spreading the ball around, this was certainly the best the offense has looked all season. Napier got creative in his play calls and spaced out the field, forcing the defense to thin out on the interior. As we advance, it appears that Mertz will take most of the reps at quarterback.
Run Defense
The one extremely negative aspect of this win was the Gators’ run defense. They allowed two different Mississippi State running backs to rush for over 75 yards. The defense as a whole allowed 480 yards of total offense, which is of course unacceptable. Making some big stops, when necessary, the defense did stand tall on a 4th and goal stop. However, the same problems remain as have haunted the Gators in years past. The physicality and the tackling left a lot to be desired, especially against a team that just lost to Toledo. Not all bad, the Gators did force plenty of punts throughout the game. However, Miss State crept back into the game after gashing the Gators in the 3rd quarter. Both Ron Roberts and Austin Armstrong have got to get this defense locked in. Against a better opponent, it could get ugly for the Gators defense.
Napier Survives
Despite Gator fans being relieved by the victory, many are frustrated that Napier keeps his job for another week. Firmly on the hot seat, Napier came into this affair with his fair share of doubters. Starting the season off 2-2 was unacceptable to many who align themselves with the program. Gator fans were relieved at the thought of bringing in a new head coach. However, in his presser, Napier dictated that there had been no talks regarding his future in the program. This led many to believe that Napier would be getting more time than previously assumed. Showing improvements, fans cannot deny that his play calling was much more open and creative. Although against a lower-class opponent, the Gators finally showed signs of life on offense. If he can keep the team fully bought in, Napier may be sticking around for a bit longer than people assumed one week ago.
Final Thoughts
Despite being relieved by the victory, many Gator fans still are hesitant to show signs of approval. With Miss State being the worst team left on the schedule, the road will only get harder from here. Having to take on Texas, Georgia, and Ole Miss, the Gators have not shown that they are ready. It is imperative that they do not take this bye week lightly, as one win doesn’t suddenly turn around the season. Taking on the UCF Knights after the bye, the Gators will have a chance to give meaning to the season. Starting 2-2 was not what many fans wanted, and it caused turmoil throughout the program. However, this team must remain bought in, even if Napier may be on his way out. Each game now provides Florida the opportunity to prove to the fans that their faith is not unwarranted.
