The Florida Gators (2-4) host the Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-2) in Gainesville this Saturday. The game kicks off at 4:15 p.m. on SEC Network. UF is coming off a tough loss at Texas A&M, while MSU has lost consecutive SEC tilts after starting the season 4-0.

Here is everything you need to know about the Bulldogs ahead of the SEC matchup.

Mississippi State Bulldogs - the Names and Numbers to Know

2025 Results: After two years in the SEC basement, MSU was expected to once again be a pushover. However, the Bulldogs topped their Las Vegas odds (preseason over/under wins of 3.5) by the end of Week Four, reeling off four- straight victories to start the season. That stretch included wins over Arizona State and Northern Illinois.

Then, SEC play began. MSU played No. 11 Tennessee tough in Starkville, taking the Volunteers to overtime before losing 41-34. A&M then beat the Bulldogs 31-9 in College Station two weeks ago. These aren't the Bulldogs of the last couple years, but they aren't quite contenders yet, either.

By The Numbers: The Bulldogs are scoring 33.7 points per game (45th of 136 nationwide), while allowing 19.8 points per game (39th of 136). MSU has been particularly successful running the ball, averaging 185 yards per game on the ground. MSU is outgaining opponents by an average of 61 yards per game.

Leading Passer: Blake Shapen - 100-for-149, 1,201 yards, nine touchdowns, four interceptions

Leading Receiver: Brenen Thompson - 22 catches, 378 yards, four touchdowns, 17.2 yards per catch

Leading Rusher: Fluff Bothwell (OUT) - 84 rushes, 465 yards, six touchdowns, 5.5 yards per rush

Leading Tackler: Safety Jahron Manning - 40 tackles, one interception

Game Analysis: On paper, Florida is deeper and more talented than MSU. The Bulldogs have enough playmakers on both sides of the ball to keep it interesting, but lack the depth and elite star power to overpower opposition. MSU is without its top running back Saturday, and its best defensive player (safety Isaac Smith) and best offensive lineman (Albert Reese) are both listed as questionable on the injury report.

If UF plays its best game - like it did against Texas - the Gators should win. But MSU is more than capable of pouncing if UF comes out slow; their deep-threat passing game is a particular danger. Perhaps the biggest question is how the Gators will react to the news that head coach Billy Napier is likely to be fired with a loss. Do they come out angry in defense of their coach? Or do they roll over with the season off to such a bleak start as it is?

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