With a brutal schedule coming up for the Gators, this could be their last gasp in a lost season. Taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, this may be the last time the Gators are favored. After that dismal performance this past weekend against Texas A&M, morale is not exactly high. With Mississippi State coming off a loss to Toledo, this is an extremely beatable opponent. However, the question certainly remains on how bought in some of these players are. With a head coach who is almost assuredly on his way out soon, will the team rally around him? Last weekend, the Gators were punched in the mouth early and never showed much fight. This could be it for the team if they want any chance to turn their season around. If this game results in a loss, a one or two-win season could be a real possibility in Gainesville.
Coaching Concerns
Many around the country are quite surprised to see that Billy Napier is still the head coach of the Gators. As discussed in his presser on Monday, he cited that there have been no talks regarding his future. He feels that he does indeed see a path where he is still the head coach of the Florida Gators next season. For many fans, that was not the news that they were hoping to hear regarding Napier. Failing to register a winning season during his time with the Gators, this season is falling off the rails. Now under year three, the Gators are showing no signs of trending in the right direction. Not only are fans frustrated with Napier, but many are also hoping to see Austin Armstrong fired. As the defensive coordinator, his defenses for the Gators have looked no better than the infamous Todd Grantham’s.
Bottom of the SEC
Both Mississippi State and the Gators could be on their last gasps. Both reeling off embarrassing losses, and neither wants to find themselves at the bottom of the SEC. With typical basement dweller Vanderbilt showing signs of life, this game could decide the worst team in the conference. Pitting two woeful defenses against each other, both offenses should finally be able to find a rhythm. Against Arizona State in week two, the Bulldogs allowed an eye-popping 346 rush yards. With the Florida Gators supposedly built to run the football, perhaps Napier will finally gain some success. Struggling to start the season, the Gators have been unable to run the ball, due to the underachieving offensive line. Having to abandon the run when falling behind, the Gators’ offense has been a mess. Now facing one of the worst rushing defenses in college football, expect Montrell Johnson Jr. to have a day.
Backs against the Wall
By all accounts, it is quite shocking that Napier is still the head coach at Florida. Many expected that A&M disaster to be his last gasp for the Gators. However, he remains in charge, at least for another week. If his back wasn’t against the wall last week, it certainly is now, after a 1-2 start to the season. Having yet to fix his bland and predictable play calling, the offense has not been what many expected. An underrated group last season, they have been unable to find a rhythm or bail out their atrocious defense. If Napier wants to have some success this week, he must finally open the playbook. No more screen passes or running plays on third and long. The Gators have talent at the receiver position, as it is one of their deeper groups. Napier must get them the ball in space to earn a victory.
QB Questions
Fans were admittedly frustrated by how Napier handled the quarterback position last weekend. His plan did not allow either Graham Mertz or DJ Lagway to get in any sort of rhythm. Napier decided that he was going to alternate his quarterback each drive, no matter how the previous drive ended. Because of this, the offense never found its groove, as, even when scoring a touchdown, the next drive was usually unsuccessful. Now against the Bulldogs, Napier must not make the same mistake. He needs to name a starter and only rotate if the starter begins to struggle. At the end of the day, he can’t be wishy-washy and attempt to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. This is the University of Florida, where winning championships is expected. Napier must take command of his team and focus on dialing up a creative game plan to hone the skills of his quarterbacks.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi State enters this matchup fresh off a surprising blowout loss to Toledo, a member of the MAC conference. With a new head coach in Jeff Lebby, many knew that this season would be a bit underwhelming. However, fans are disappointed, as the offense is not as high-flying as expected. The former Oklahoma offensive coordinator was supposed to get the most out of transfer quarterback Blake Shapen. Not necessarily having bad results, the offense simply hasn’t been as electric as advertised. Combined with a rather poor defense, the Bulldogs are staring a losing season in the face. Needing a win desperately, they get the privilege of hosting the reeling Gators. Due to the talent difference, I am inclined to lean the Gators’ way. This could be the last gasp for Napier, as he knows this is now do or die for his Gators.
Prediction: Florida 24 Mississippi State 20
