The Florida Gators have finally snapped a five-game conference losing streak after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The Gators have struggled with quarterback Graham Mertz and coach Billy Napier thus far. The struggles have included a 5-7 season last year, a seven-game power-four opponent losing streak, and a five-game conference losing streak. Florida had previously not won a conference match-up since October 14th of last season against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Quite frankly, the Gators have struggled to do much of anything right over the course of the tenure of Napier. However, the Gators could right the ship after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 45-28 to improve to 2-2 on the season.
The Bulldogs are admittedly going to be the worst team in the SEC this season, but it is still a win that showed promise for the Gators.
Florida had only 2 incompletions today.
That’s pretty good. pic.twitter.com/rjg4ilZ8MW
— Florida Gators 🐊🔥 (@gatorsszn) September 21, 2024
Mertz and DJ Lagway combined for just two incompletions all game and opened up the offense against the Bulldogs. Mertz recorded 201-yards passing and three touchdowns in the air as well as a touchdown on the ground. The quarterback looked confident both through the air and on the ground for the Gators, which was a positive sight.
The offense and Mertz seemed to find a groove against the Bulldogs and looked arguably the best they have as a unit all season.
Florida Gators, QB Graham Mertz Snap 5-Game Conference Losing Streak Against Bulldogs
The Florida staff looked down and out after suffering bad losses to Texas A&M and Miami to kickoff the 2024 season. However, the staff has since seemed to find a way to get the offense to click.
The Gators recorded six touchdowns and over 500-yards of total offense against the Bulldogs as they thrashed their defense. Florida appeared to be much more confident and poised as Mertz only had two incompletions all game.
Previously, the quarterback and offensive line play had been an issue for the Gators, but it seems to have improved for Florida over the past two games.
The Florida staff has tried to use both quarterbacks now that Mertz has returned, but Mertz seems like the clear starter. While Lagway would make the offense more dynamic with his massive arm and great speed, Mertz understands the offense and proved that against the Bulldogs.
The Gators previously were in the midst of a five-game conference losing streak dating back to last season before securing the win. Florida lost to Georgia, Arkansas, LSU, Missouri, and Texas A&M in order during their losing streak.
Perhaps snapping the conference losing streak is just the type of momentum the Gators need to improve their play this season.
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