Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC) is gearing up to face Florida (2-4, 1-2) in Gainesville this Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT. This matchup marks their first trip to Florida since a narrow 10-7 victory in 2010. In their 57th all-time meeting, the Bulldogs are seeking to turn around their recent performance against the Gators, having won four of the last ten matchups. Quarterback Blake Shapen leads the Bulldogs with a 21-game streak of consecutive touchdown passes, showcasing a potent offense that ranks high nationally. Defensively, MSU has shown marked improvement from last season, allowing significantly fewer yards and generating more turnovers.

By the Numbers
  • Blake Shapen has thrown a touchdown in 21 consecutive games, the longest active streak in college football.
  • MSU leads the SEC with 40+ yard offensive plays and ranks in the top 20 nationally for both 40+ and 50+ yard plays.
Yes, But

Despite Mississippi State's offensive prowess, the Gators have a strong Homecoming record, winning six consecutive games and 30 of 35 Homecoming contests. This adds pressure on the Bulldogs to perform well in a tough environment.

State of Play
  • MSU aims to improve its postseason prospects with a win, needing one more victory for bowl eligibility.
  • Florida's upcoming Homecoming game adds a layer of significance, making an MSU upset more impactful.
What's Next

After facing Florida, Mississippi State will host Texas for its Homecoming on October 25, marking their return to Davis Wade Stadium after nearly a month. The schedule ahead is challenging, with four of their last five opponents ranked 21st or higher.

Bottom Line

For Mississippi State, a win against Florida not only boosts their bowl chances but also disrupts the Gators' Homecoming celebrations, highlighting the stakes for both teams this Saturday.