Mullen wanted 9 seasons to turn into the second-winningest coach in MSU historical past. He was six victories shy of the highest spot when he left to turn into head coach at Florida over Thanksgiving weekend 2017.
Eight months later, Mullen was again on the place he knew so very effectively, with the Gators coming from behind within the second half for stirring, defensive-wrought 13-6 win that proved one of many highlights of a 10-victory season.
Effectively, right here the Gators (1-2, 0-1) are once more, again within the Magnolia State to face the Bulldogs (1-2, 0-0), and the highest storyline — once more — is the their coach.
For various causes, clearly.
[Read senior writer Scott Carter’s comprehensive “Opening Kickoff” setup here]
Billy Napier talked this week about controlling the controlables, and that is actually what his workforce’s Southeastern Convention highway opener is all about. The skin chatter that Ron Zook used to name “noise within the system” — and that was earlier than social media — is louder than the deafening cowbells that shall be ringing within the helmets of the visiting workforce this morning.
The day started with an early wake-up name, as a result of workforce staying in Tuscaloosa, Ala., about 85 miles away. The problem after that lengthy bus experience shall be to enter a hostile venue with the type of power wanted to win a league recreation on the highway. That may very well be a troublesome ask, contemplating the Gators have struggled to muster the type of spark wanted to compete in opposition to a pair of high-major opponents at residence, a lot much less come near beating them.
Mississippi State clearly is just not within the class of Miami or Texas A&M, who pounded on UF by an combination 74-37 at Gainesville (with a 45-7 rout of Samford in between). And whereas the Gators may be practically a landing favourite on this recreation, they’re going to must carry out higher than what they’ve present in averaging 398.9 yards of whole offense (72nd nationally, eleventh within the SEC) and permitting 407.3 yards (tied for 106 nationally, final within the SEC). These numbers are considerably skewed in UF’s favor by the lopsided rout in opposition to the FCS-class Bulldogs, who they labored for 632 yards.
The Bulldogs they’re going to face Saturday have not been nice — a house win over FCS Jap Kentucky to open the season, adopted by losses at Arizona State and ugly 41-17 defeat to Toledo at residence final weekend — however they’re at residence, hungry, higher rested and shouldn’t be taken flippantly
The Gators cannot take anybody flippantly.
Search for the UF quarterback flip-flopping from per week in the past to offer method to a principally Graham Mertz afternoon. Mertz, who returned to motion in opposition to A&M after lacking the Samford recreation with a concussion, outplayed freshman DJ Lagway after his record-setting, 456-yard efficiency in Mertz’s stead. The 2 took turns final week in opposition to the Aggies, with Mertz going 12 of 15 for 195 yards, one landing and an interception competed to Lagway’s 6-for-13 for 54 yards, one TD and two picks. They will face a MSU protection that is given up 388.0 yards per recreation (tied for 94th) and a whopping 213.7 dashing yards (122nd), which ought to excite UF tailback Montrell Johnson Jr. (166 yards, 3 TD).
The Gators shall be with out sophomore standout extensive receiver Eugene Wilson III attributable to damage, however Mertz has developed some chemistry with switch arrivals Elijhah Badger (11 catches, 260 yards, 1 TD) and Chimere Dike (8 for 146, 1 TD).
Mississippi State, below first-year coach Jeff Lebby (former offensive coordinator at Oklahoma), will counter with Baylor switch Blake Shapen (834 yards, 7 TD, 1 INT) below heart, a trio of tailbacks led by Keyvone Lee (88 yards, 1 TD) and a receiving core keyed by Kevin Coleman Jr. (16 catches, 268 yards, 3 TD).
Ought to UF handle to dam out the “noise” and get out of the place affectionately (and mockingly) generally known as Starkvegas with a win it will be a credit score to Napier, his workers, the gamers, and a testomony to their focus.
After that, although, The Florida storyline will not change.
Protection begins at midday on ABC, with the crew of Dave Pasch on play-by-play, Dusty Dvorak offering evaluation and Taylor McGregor on the sidelines. The Gators Sports activities Community from Learfield broadcast will air with pregame protection starting at 9 a.m. and finally give method to Sean Kelly, Shane Matthews and Tate Casey from the sector on the decision. For GSN stations, click on right here.
The sport shall be re-aired Monday at 10 p.m. and once more Tuesday at 3 a.m. on the SEC Community.
Lastly, observe senior author Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) for commentary and evaluation all through the sport. FloridaGators.com may have full post-game protection from the sport late Saturday evening and follow-up content material Sunday, additionally.