Michai Boireau interception seals Florida Gators victory over Mississippi State Bulldogs in homecoming thriller
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 responded with a field goal but settled for a 24-yard field goal by Trey Smack after three consecutive incomplete passes in the end zone, including a controversial incompletion by Hayden Hansen.
Also read: Who is John Mara? New York Giants owner diagnosed with cancer; his family, career, net worth and
The Gators trailed 7-3 after the first quarter.
Baugh’s goal gives Florida Gators lead before halftime goal extends advantage
Jadan Baugh scored a 19-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter to give Florida a 10-7 lead. The Gators extended their lead when Smack converted a 54-yard field goal late in the first half to increase the lead to 13-7.
The field goal came after Baugh’s 60-yard field goal was called off due to a Eugene Wilson III holding penalty, making it the fourth field goal called for Florida this season. Mississippi State missed a 41-yard field goal attempt before halftime, and DJ Lagway had an interception on the ensuing drive to end the half.
Daniels scores on wildcat formation as Florida offense breaks third quarter deadlock
Neither team could score in the third quarter. Florida capped an 11-play, 93-yard drive early in the fourth quarter when backup running back KD Daniels scored on a direct snap wild-cat play from one yard out. The touchdown gave the Gators a 20-7 lead with 13:41 left. 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’s goals keep Bulldogs within striking distance
Mississippi State responded with a five-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Davon Booth scored from two yards out to cut Florida’s lead to 20-14 with 11:57 left in the game.
After Mississippi State defenders committed two personal fouls, including a roughing the passer penalty that resulted in Zakari Tillman being ejected 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 quickly responded with a five-play, 65-yard drive. Frame completed passes to advance downfield with the help of a pass interference call to linebacker Jadan Robinson. Booth scored his second field goal from two yards out with 2:32 left, making the score 23-21.
Boireau’s interception preserves Florida Gators’ homecoming victory in final seconds
Florida took control as they tried 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 and was forced to punt with 1:32 left.
Also read: Za’Darius Smith Retires: NFL veteran forward ends 11-year career
Mississippi State began its final drive at its 28-yard line. After a seven-play, 43-yard drive, Michai Boireau intercepted Shapen’s pass, ensuring Florida’s victory.
Coaching results 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 improved 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 through 2023 and are 0-11 in conference play under Lebby.
While Florida goalkeeper Alisson could not play due to his hamstring injury, Giorgi Mamardashvili came into the game instead. Although defenseman Jordan Castell was not listed on the injury report, he was left out of the squad with Alfonzo Allen entering the game. Wide receiver Eugene Wilson III missed the game due to injury.
Game stats show defensive struggles in Florida-Mississippi State matchup
Florida had a slight advantage in offensive production despite explosive play from Mississippi State. The Bulldogs connected on several deep passes throughout the game, including multiple completions of over 40 yards.
Florida recorded 10 tackles for loss and multiple Shapen sacks. The Gators defense struggled with penalties, committed numerous personal fouls and called pass interference in critical situations.
This win was very important for Florida ahead of the bye week. The Gators will face rival Georgia on November 1 in Jacksonville.
Also read: Diego Pavia rushed for two touchdowns, but Vanderbilt…
Florida earned the homecoming victory despite several self-inflicted setbacks throughout the season, including four goal calls that were negated by penalties. Boireau’s interception proved to be the decisive play in preserving Florida’s two-point victory.
