Jadan Baugh delivered a standout performance for Florida, rushing for a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback DJ Lagway passed for 280 yards but was intercepted twice. On the other side, Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen threw for 324 yards, also with one interception, and Davon Booth added 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The contest was tight throughout. Mississippi State took an early lead with Kamario Taylor’s touchdown run, but Florida responded with a field goal and a 19-yard touchdown run by Baugh. The teams traded scores, and by the fourth quarter, Florida led 20-14. Booth’s second touchdown for the Mississippi State Bulldogs narrowed the gap to 23-21 with two minutes remaining.
With the Bulldogs mounting a final drive, Florida’s defensive lineman Michai Boireau intercepted Shapen with just 21 seconds left, sealing the Gators’ seventh consecutive Homecoming victory at The Swamp. The interception sent the Florida sideline into celebration and preserved a much-needed win for Napier’s squad.
Florida and Mississippi State both finished with over 450 total yards, and each team committed two turnovers. The win improved Florida’s record to 3-4 (2-2 SEC), while Mississippi State fell to 4-3 (0-3 SEC).
This matchup is part of a long history between the programs, with Florida now holding a 36-19-2 all-time advantage in the series, according to Mississippi State’s official history. The Gators look ahead to their next challenge against No. 9 Georgia on November 1.
For more details and highlights, see the game recap on ESPN and visit the Gainesville Sun.