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A week ago things looked very different for the Florida Gators. Coming off a blow out victory over outmatched Samford, the fanbase had hope for the first time in a long time. DJ Lagway provided much of that hope and many fans were left wanting more from the talented freshman.

Then Texas A&M happened. Florida looked atrocious on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and the Billy Napier heat got turned up even higher.

Next up for Florida: a road trip to Mississippi State to take on a conference mate that appears to be struggling after a dismal 41-17 loss to Toledo.

The following are our staff’s predictions of the outcome for the Gators and Bulldogs.

Brian Fox: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I bought into the DJ Lagway hype and thought somehow many of the problems that have plagued this team would be significantly better against a first year head coach for Texas A&M. I was wrong. Yet again, it’s the same mistakes costing the Gators. For that reason, I can’t pick Florida to beat a Mississippi State team they should. Florida is a seven point favorite, according to ESPN Bet, but I have so little faith in this team and the direction of the program, I’m picking the Bulldogs, 24-21.

Ryan Friedwald: After losing to Texas A&M, Florida has its first away game in Mississippi. The Bulldogs are also coming off a loss to Toledo. Both teams need this win for different reasons, but I believe this game will come to one thing: defense. Both teams have swiss cheese defenses and the winner will be determined if their defense takes care of third down. This could go either way, but I will take Florida to scrape by simply due to the fact that the defensive line is better. Florida, 30-24.

Aiden Wacksman: An injury-ridden Florida squad was dominated by the Aggies last week. Key players such as Eugene Wilson III and Joey Slackman will once again remain on the sidelines in this week’s matchup with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Florida is off to a disappointing start, but the Bulldogs are in an even worse position after losing at home to MAC member Toledo by 24 points. Napier’s management of the quarterback room will likely decide this game. One of the Gators’ many problems last week was the interchanging quarterback role. When Mertz was finding his rhythm, Lagway would take the field on the next drive regardless. I believe Florida will survive its first road test and (barely) notch its first SEC win. Florida, 35-32.

Florida and Mississippi State will kickoff at noon EDT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.

What do you think will be the final score of the game? Let us know how you think this game will be won.