October 21, 2025

On a blazing Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida Gators took on Mississippi State Bulldogs in a cracking homecoming football game on October 18, 2025. What started with a powerful eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive by Mississippi State set the tone. Quarterback Blake Shapen thrilled the crowd with a 48-yard pass to Anthony Evans III early on, and backup QB Kamario Taylor dashed in a 2-yard touchdown to put Bulldogs ahead 7-0. But the Gators were not going down quietly. Florida responded with a 24-yard field goal by Trey Smack after a tough goal-to-go attack marred by missed passes, including a controversial incompletion to tight end Hayden Hansen. This left the quarter with Bulldogs leading 7-3. The tide turned in the second quarter when Jadan Baugh rushed 19 yards for a touchdown, giving Florida a 10-7 lead. Later, Smack nailed a massive 54-yard field goal, extending the lead to 13-7. The scoring could have been bigger, but a stunning 60-yard touchdown run by Baugh was wiped out by a holding penalty, marking Florida's fourth called-back touchdown this season. Mississippi State missed their chance to level before halftime, missing a 41-yard field goal, and Florida grabbed momentum when DJ Lagway intercepted a pass to end the half. The third quarter was a quiet battle with zero points, but the fourth was fireworks. Backup running back KD Daniels powered in a 1-yard touchdown via a wildcat formation early in the quarter. Florida's lead swelled to 20-7, though a penalty for too many men forced them to take a simple extra point instead of a two-point conversion. Mississippi State fired back with a quick 65-yard touchdown drive, as Davon Booth scored from 2 yards out, tightening the score to 20-14. Things heated up with two personal fouls on Mississippi State, including roughing-the-passer that ejected Zakari Tillman for targeting. Trey Smack coolly booted a 53-yard field goal to push Florida’s lead to 23-14 with under 7 minutes left. The Bulldogs, showing fight, marched downfield again aided by pass interference, and Booth punched in his second touchdown from two yards to slim the gap to 23-21 with just over two minutes to play. Florida's defense stood tall in the last moments. Despite a tough sack on Lagway and a forced punt, Mississippi State’s hopes fizzled when defensive tackle Michai Boireau intercepted a pass from Shapen on a crucial 7-play, 43-yard drive. This clutch play sealed Florida’s thrilling 23-21 win. With this win, Florida's record improved to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in tough SEC action. Coach Billy Napier's record at Florida now stands at 22-23 in his fourth season. It also marked the Gators’ fifth straight SEC home victory. Meanwhile, Mississippi State dropped to 4-2 but winless at 0-2 in SEC and riding a tough 15-game conference losing streak under coach Jeff Lebby. The game came with challenges for Florida, as goalkeeper Alisson missed out with a hamstring injury, replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Defensive back Jordan Castell was sidelined despite no reports, and rookie Alfonzo Allen stepped in. Wide receiver Eugene Wilson III was also injured and out. Though full of explosive plays, both defenses had issues with penalties, including multiple personal fouls and pass interferences at critical times. Yet Florida's grit shone through, especially with Boireau’s game-saving interception. Looking ahead, the Gators take a breather with a bye week before clashing with fierce rivals Georgia on November 1 in Jacksonville. This unforgettable homecoming win gave Florida fans plenty to cheer about as the SEC battles heat up.

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Tags: Florida gators, Mississippi state bulldogs, College football, Sec, Homecoming game, Football highlights,