Graham Mertz leads Florida football to big win at Mississippi State

Gators connect on the offensive side of the ball as they get a much-needed road win at Mississippi State.

Florida football (2-2, 1-1 SEC) defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1 SEC) on the road by a score of 45-28 in what seemed like a must-win game for [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and his Gators.

The cowbells in Starkville, Mississippi, were quieted almost immediately as Florida lit up the scoreboard with ease.

The Gators had 503 total yards of offense and it was a nice balance between the passing and rushing attack. Florida had 277 yards passing and 226 yards rushing.

Napier continued to utilize both Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway at the quarterback position and they each played well.

Mertz was 19-for-21 passing for 201 yards and three touchdowns while Lagway threw for 76 yards while completing all seven of his passes.

Both Florida quarterbacks were virtually perfect in the first half, combining for just one incompletion. Mertz was 15-for-16 throw the air with 147 yards and three touchdowns while Lagway was 4-for-4 for 49 yards passing.

The Gators got the scoring started thanks to a 3-yard touchdown throw from Mertz to tight end Arlis Boardingham. It was Boardingham’s first touchdown reception of the season.

Mississippi State would answer right back as the Bulldogs’ senior running back Davon Booth rushed up the middle at the goal line for a touchdown.

But Florida did a good job in not letting that score rattle them, as the offense picked apart Mississippi State’s defense all game long.

The Gators scored touchdowns on three straight drives to end the first half.

Mertz threw a 20-yard touchdown to receiver Marcus Burke and a 35-yard touchdown to tight end Hayden Hansen that gave Mertz three passing touchdowns in the first half.

Ja’Kobi Jackson ran in for a 10-yard touchdown to give Florida a season-high 28 points in the first half.

Mertz was able to keep the scoring going in the second half as he sneaked in the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the afternoon.

It was, for the most part, smooth sailing on the Gators’ offensive side of the ball but the defense was a bit shaky.

The Gators’ defense has to be better, especially with stopping the run.

Florida allowed Mississippi State to have 240 yards on the ground. A lot of that has to do with poor tackling which is inexcusable with this type of team at this point in the season.

The Gators still have some things to clean up on the defensive side of the ball and the coaching staff will have plenty to review with a bye week coming up.

Up next for the Gators

The Gators will be out of action for Week 5 due to their bye week. Florida’s next opponent will be the UCF Knights on Oct. 5. The time is yet to be determined.

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