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The Florida Gators traveled to Mississippi State and defeated the Bulldogs 45-28 to improve to 2-2 on the season. The Florida offense was led by a balanced attack and quarterback Graham Mertz. The Gators defense, however, also reared it’s ugly head in the win.

Mertz completed 19-21 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a score. Freshman DJ Lagway had a good day as well, completing all seven of his pass attempts for 76 yards and adding twenty-two yards on the ground.

Florida’s defense struggled mightily, yet again. In total, the Bulldogs ran for 240 yards and converted 11-20 third down attempts.

Florida led 28-14 at the half, which included a ten yard score by Ja’Kobi Jackson and each of Mertz’s touchdown passes.

The Bulldogs scored first in the first half to cut the deficit to just seven points, but Mertz’s keeper increased the lead back to two scores before the start of the fourth quarter.

Austin Barber recovered a DJ Lagway fumble into the end zone for a touchdown, but Mississippi State again ran down the field against the Gators defense.

Trey Smack added a field goal from 47 yards out to complete the scoring.

On the day, Florida quarterbacks threw for 277 yards and the team rushed for 226 more. Despite finishing with more than 500 yards of offense, the defense allowed 480 yards.

Florida improved to 1-1 in SEC play while the Bulldogs fell to 0-1 in league play. The Gators have a bye week before taking on in-state UCF. The Knights are 3-0 on the season and have the nation’s second best rush attack.