While Florida Football’s 45-28 win over Mississippi State might appear to be a dominant road victory, a closer look reveals some troubling signs that could pose problems down the stretch. For a Gators team searching for positive momentum heading into their bye week, there were indeed some highlights. However, it’s important to remember that Mississippi State, a team fresh off a 41-17 loss to Toledo, is far from top competition. With that in mind, here are three red flags that Florida still needs to address.
1. Play Calling Still Predictable
Florida’s offense showed some flashes of creativity, such as a rub route that led to a wide-open touchdown for Arlis Boardingham. However, much of the offensive production can be attributed to the matchup, rather than any significant improvement in play calling.
The Gators managed 503 total yards and 45 points, but this was largely due to Mississippi State’s defensive strategy. The Bulldogs employed a deep Cover 4 scheme, daring Florida to rely on short passes and their base run game. As a result, the Gators only managed 123 passing yards through the air, taking what the defense gave them.
While credit is due for Florida’s ability to exploit the opportunity, tougher defenses down the road won’t be as generous. This lack of adaptability in play calling could become a major issue when facing teams with more sophisticated defenses.
2. Defensive Struggles Persist
Florida’s defense, meanwhile, remains a major concern. Despite the win, the Gators gave up 480 yards and 28 points to a Mississippi State team that isn’t exactly known for offensive firepower. The Bulldogs came within one yard of scoring a fifth touchdown, and several of their drives stalled due to missed opportunities rather than Florida’s defensive prowess.
The Gators’ defensive scheme seemed too passive, often sitting back in a soft zone that allowed Mississippi State to move the ball at will. Players like Jason Marshall and Pup Howard made individual standout plays, but as a whole, the defense looked unprepared whenever the Bulldogs went to an uptempo attack.
If Mississippi State could expose these defensive holes, teams like UCF and Tennessee, who thrive on tempo, will likely have even more success unless adjustments are made.
3. The Game Was Closer Than the Score Suggests
While the 17-point victory might look convincing, the reality is that this game was much tighter than the final score indicates. After jumping out to a 28-7 lead, Florida allowed Mississippi State to battle back, closing the gap to 28-21 midway through the third quarter.
The Gators managed to respond with a touchdown to stretch the lead to 35-21, but the Bulldogs quickly drove down to the one-yard line and threatened to make it a one-score game once again. Florida held them off, and a DJ Lagway-led drive ultimately put the game away at 42-21, but it could have been a very different story.
Had Mississippi State punched in that touchdown to make it 35-28, and if Austin Barber hadn’t recovered Lagway’s fumble in the end zone on the following drive, the game might have been tied 35-35 when Trey Smack hit a 47-yard field goal with 2:34 left. In an alternate scenario, Florida could have found themselves in a much tighter contest, with the momentum fully shifted in Mississippi State’s favor.
Conclusion
Florida’s win over Mississippi State provided some much-needed positivity, but the victory also exposed lingering issues that the Gators must address. Predictable play calling, a porous defense, and an inability to put teams away cleanly all raise red flags as Florida heads into their bye week. With tougher opponents looming, these concerns could be costly if they’re not corrected soon.
