Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC) faces Florida (2-4, 0-2 SEC) in a Week 8 SEC matchup this afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Quarterback Blake Shapen returns from a shoulder injury, providing stability to an offense that averages 395.5 yards per game (66th FBS) and 33.7 points (44th). The Bulldogs are built around balance — 183.8 rushing yards per game (43rd) and 211.7 passing yards (89th).
Running back Da’Marion Bothwell has powered the ground game with 465 yards and 6 TDs, while Brenen Thompson leads the receivers with 378 yards and 4 scores.
Defensively, Mississippi State allows 334.5 yards per game (46th), featuring a stingy 171.8-yard passing defense (25th). But stopping the run remains an issue — opponents have averaged 162.7 yards on the ground (101st).
Despite that, the Bulldogs’ defense is opportunistic, ranking 20th nationally in turnover margin (+5) and allowing opponents to convert just 34.9% of third downs (49th). Their red-zone efficiency (95.5%) has been among the SEC’s best, though discipline is a weakness — they average 77 penalty yards per game, 130th in the nation.
Florida, meanwhile, is under increasing pressure to halt a four-game losing streak and spark life into a stagnant offense. The Gators average just 348.2 yards per game (101st) and 22.3 points (104th). QB DJ Lagway has flashed potential (1,233 yards, 9 TDs, 66.5% completion), but inconsistent protection and turnovers (7 INTs) have limited the attack. Running back Jadan Baugh (461 yards, 3 TDs) has been a bright spot, while Vernell Brown III leads the receiving corps with 368 yards on 27 catches.
Defensively, the Gators remain solid — allowing just 315.8 yards per game (33rd FBS) and 19.8 points (38th) — anchored by defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp, who posted 7 sacks and 13 tackles-for-loss last season. But Florida’s red-zone defense (87th nationally) and turnover margin (-3) have been costly, while the offense’s inability to stay on the field is glaring: the Gators convert only 31.6% on third downs (128th).
Mississippi State plays fast but risks losing the time-of-possession battle (26:42 per game, 127th), while Florida ranks 29th in that category (31:44). The matchup will likely hinge on whether the Gators’ front can contain Bothwell and whether Lagway can protect the football against a defense that thrives on takeaways.
Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Florida 24.
Prediction
Florida’s talent edge and home-field advantage give them a clear path to victory. Mississippi State has potential, particularly with its explosiveness on the ground, but its defensive vulnerabilities and Florida’s motivation tilt the outcome.
Projected Score: Florida 29, Mississippi State 19
How to Watch Mississippi State vs. Florida
Kickoff for the Mississippi State vs. Florida matchup is set for 4:15 PM Eastern at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL.
The game airs live on the SEC Network and streams through the ESPN app and website with a TV provider login.
Looking to catch the game for free? The SEC Network is also available on Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV — all of which offer free trials.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 4:15 PM Eastern
Venue: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
TV: SEC Network
Streaming: SEC and ESPN apps and websites
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