The Florida Gators secured their first win against an FBS opponent since October 2023, thanks to stellar performances from both of their quarterbacks. In their 45-28 victory over Mississippi State, veteran Graham Mertz and freshman DJ Lagway showcased their skill, combining for 277 passing yards and three touchdowns, with only two incompletions between them. Both QBs played critical roles, leading multiple scoring drives.
Mertz, who earned his first win as the Gators’ starting quarterback in seven games, completed 19 of 21 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 24 rushing yards and another score on the ground. Lagway contributed with a perfect 7-for-7 passing performance, throwing for 76 yards in his limited time on the field.
Mertz’s command was clear from the start, as he led the Gators on a 13-play, 84-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Arlis Boardingham. Mississippi State briefly tied the game, but Mertz responded, throwing two more touchdowns in the first half, including a 20-yard strike to Marcus Burke, his first career score, and a 35-yard touchdown to Hayden Hansen.
Lagway entered the game on Florida’s next drive and continued the offensive momentum, engineering a 10-play, 91-yard drive. His precise passing set up Ja’Kobi Jackson’s 10-yard touchdown run, giving Florida a commanding 28-7 lead.
Mississippi State mounted a comeback, cutting the lead to two scores before halftime, led by quarterback Blake Shapen. The Bulldogs kept the pressure on in the third quarter, turning a 13-play, 76-yard drive into a touchdown, narrowing the score to 28-21. Shapen’s ability to extend plays and find open receivers put Mississippi State back in the game.
Florida’s defense bent but didn’t break when it mattered most. A crucial fourth-and-goal fumble by Mississippi State was recovered by Grayson Howard, halting a key scoring opportunity for the Bulldogs. Meanwhile, Lagway showed his resilience, recovering from a fumble to help guide the Gators to another touchdown, this time a fortuitous score recovered by offensive lineman Austin Barber after a scramble in the end zone.
With a 42-21 lead and eight minutes left, Florida had effectively iced the game. Mississippi State added a late touchdown on a 10-yard run by Johnnie Daniels, but Florida capped off their victory with a 47-yard field goal by Trey Smack.
The Gators, now 2-2, will head into their first bye week before facing UCF at home on October 5th in what promises to be another pivotal matchup in the Swamp.