Florida Gators at Mississippi State Bulldogs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/21/2024 12:00 PM EST

We have your Florida Gators at Mississippi State Bulldogs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Florida Gators hit the road to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Florida Gators at Mississippi State Bulldogs Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Florida Gators -230 (bet365) / Mississippi State Bulldogs +190 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: 6.0 - Florida Gators -110 (DraftKings) / Mississippi State Bulldogs -110 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 58.5 - Under -110 (BetRivers) / 57.5 - Over -115 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 9/21/2024
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Location: Davis Wade Stadium (Starkville, MS)
TV: ESPN

Florida Gators at Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview

The Florida Gators and Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to clash in a pivotal SEC matchup that could have significant implications for both programs. The Gators, under the leadership of head coach Billy Napier, are desperately seeking redemption after a rocky start to the 2024 season. With a 1-2 record, Florida's only victory came against an FCS opponent, and they have suffered two demoralizing losses at home, including a 33-20 defeat to Texas A&M. The Gators' struggles have been evident on both sides of the ball, with turnovers and defensive lapses contributing to their woes. Quarterback Graham Mertz, who has been battling injuries, has yet to find his rhythm, while freshman DJ Lagway has shown potential but remains inconsistent.

On the other side, Mississippi State, led by first-year head coach Jeff Lebby, is also navigating a challenging start to the season. The Bulldogs are coming off a disappointing 41-17 loss to Toledo, a game that exposed their vulnerabilities in both the passing and running game. With a 1-2 record, Mississippi State is eager to turn the tide and secure a victory against a fellow struggling SEC opponent. The Bulldogs face the challenge of preparing for Florida's dual-quarterback system, which adds an element of unpredictability to the matchup.

Both teams are under pressure to perform, with Napier's job security increasingly in question and Lebby looking to establish his tenure on a positive note. The Gators have historically had the upper hand in this series, but their recent form suggests that this game could be more competitive than past encounters. As the Gators travel to Starkville, they will need to address their turnover issues and find a way to control the game tempo, while the Bulldogs will aim to capitalize on their home-field advantage and exploit Florida's defensive weaknesses. This matchup promises to be a test of resilience and strategy as both teams vie for a crucial SEC victory.

Florida Gators at Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick: Florida Gators Moneyline

The Florida Gators are poised to secure a much-needed victory against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and several factors support this pick. Despite their rocky start to the season, the Gators have shown glimpses of potential, particularly in their offensive capabilities. While they have struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses, the Gators possess a more experienced roster compared to Mississippi State, which is under the guidance of first-year head coach Jeff Lebby. Florida's head coach, Billy Napier, is under immense pressure to deliver results, and this urgency could translate into a more focused and determined performance on the field.

Florida's dual-quarterback system, featuring Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway, adds a layer of unpredictability that could challenge Mississippi State's defense. Mertz, despite battling injuries, has demonstrated his ability to perform in the SEC, as evidenced by his previous season's statistics where he threw for 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns. Lagway, a promising freshman, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in his performance against Samford. This combination of experience and potential could prove to be a formidable challenge for the Bulldogs, who have struggled defensively, as highlighted by their recent 41-17 loss to Toledo.

Moreover, the Gators have historically dominated this matchup, and while past performance is not always indicative of future results, it does provide a psychological edge. Florida's need to rectify their season trajectory and Napier's quest to solidify his position as head coach will likely fuel a spirited effort from the team. The Gators' ability to control the game tempo and capitalize on Mississippi State's vulnerabilities, particularly in their passing and running defense, positions them as the favorites in this encounter. As they travel to Starkville, the Gators are expected to leverage their offensive strengths and secure a crucial SEC victory, making them the preferred pick for the moneyline.

Florida Gators at Mississippi State Bulldogs Top Player Prop Picks

Graham Mertz Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns +120 (DraftKings)

Graham Mertz, despite his struggles and injuries this season, has shown the capability to perform at a high level in the SEC. Last season, he threw for 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to find the end zone. Against a Mississippi State defense that was exposed in their recent 41-17 loss to Toledo, Mertz has a prime opportunity to exploit their vulnerabilities. The Bulldogs have struggled to contain both the pass and the run, which could allow Mertz to capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially with the added unpredictability of Florida's dual-quarterback system. With the pressure mounting on head coach Billy Napier, expect Mertz to step up and deliver a strong performance, making the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns an enticing pick.

DJ Lagway Under 0.5 Interceptions -110 (FanDuel)

DJ Lagway, the promising freshman quarterback for the Gators, has had a mixed start to his collegiate career. While he has shown potential, particularly in his performance against Samford, he has also struggled with consistency, completing just 47.4% of his passes against FBS opponents. However, facing a Mississippi State defense that has been porous, Lagway has a chance to play a cleaner game. The Bulldogs' defensive lapses, as seen in their loss to Toledo, suggest that Lagway could avoid turnovers if he plays within himself and takes advantage of the opportunities presented. With the Gators likely focusing on a balanced offensive attack to control the game tempo, Lagway may not be forced into risky throws, making the under on interceptions a solid choice.

Trevor Etienne Over 75.5 Rushing Yards -115 (BetRivers)

Trevor Etienne, a key component of Florida's offensive strategy, is poised to have a significant impact against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs' defense has shown weaknesses in stopping the run, as evidenced by their inability to contain Toledo's ground game. Etienne's ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be crucial in exploiting these defensive gaps. With Florida aiming to control the time of possession and keep their defense off the field, Etienne is likely to see a heavy workload. His rushing prowess, combined with Mississippi State's defensive struggles, makes the over on 75.5 rushing yards a compelling prop bet for this matchup.