Florida is hoping this season turns into a repeat of final yr at this level.
The Gators (2-4, 1-2 Southeastern Convention) will host Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2) on Saturday in Gainesville, Fla., and try and get their season circled like they did in 2024.
This marketing campaign has grow to be much more disappointing for coach Billy Napier, nonetheless.
Florida and Mississippi State have convention commonality: Every misplaced its final day out at Texas A&M, which moved as much as No. 4 within the newest AP Prime 25 ballot.
The Gators fell 34-17 Saturday evening, beginning effectively earlier than wilting as the sport performed out and being outscored 20-3 over the ultimate three quarters.
Defensively, the Aggies restricted the Gators to 319 yards and 1-for-10 on third-down conversions.
“We’re shut,” mentioned Napier, desperately looking for a turnaround as his critics get louder. “I believe we’re getting higher on offense, and I believe the protection has performed actually powerful and exhausting all the manner.”
DJ Lagway threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns in that recreation.
Final yr, Florida was 3-3 however rallied to finish with consecutive victories over No. 22 LSU, No. 9 Ole Miss and rival Florida State to conclude a 7-5 common season.
This season’s second half options matchups in opposition to No. 9 Georgia, No. 5 Ole Miss, No. 11 Tennessee and the improved Seminoles, who’ve rebounded after final yr’s 2-10 catastrophe.
Underneath second-year coach Jeff Lebby, the Bulldogs additionally would fall into that improved class after going 2-10 themselves in 2024.
Nevertheless, after a 4-0 begin crammed with non-conference video games, they’ve dropped SEC contests in opposition to Tennessee and the Aggies.
Cross safety has been an issue, resulting in 16 sacks surrendered in six video games, tied for 112th nationally.
“There’s not going to be these new, good, loopy schemes that rapidly give us the power to go maintain the ball for 5 seconds,” Lebby acknowledged. “It is essentially taking part in cleaner, having nice confidence in our fundamentals, after which having the ability to go execute that manner.”
Lebby added that prime operating again Fluff Bothwell and security Isaac Smith had been “not a full go” Monday, however prime broad receiver Brenen Thompson was “in an amazing spot bodily.”
–Area Degree Media
