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Florida vs MS State: Epic Showdowns in Football and Basketball Rivalries
Florida vs MS State matchups ignite excitement among fans, pitting the Florida Gators against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in thrilling football and basketball contests.
As of 2025, their rivalry, particularly in football, has a rich history, with Florida leading the series 35-19-2.
The most recent football game on September 21, 2024, saw the Gators triumph 45-28, as noted in the sports card above. In basketball, both teams compete fiercely in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), showcasing athletic prowess and strategic gameplay.
Florida vs MS State Football: A Historic Rivalry
Florida vs Mississippi State football dates back to 1923, with 56 total meetings by 2025. Florida holds a commanding 35-19-2 lead in the series, bolstered by their home-field advantage at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The rivalry, while not as heated as Florida’s clashes with Georgia or Florida State, remains competitive due to both teams’ shared SEC membership since 1932.
Key Moments in Football History
- First Meeting (1923): Florida won 13-6, setting the tone for early dominance.
- 1962 Tie: A rare 7-7 draw showcased defensive grit from both sides.
- 2004 Upset: Mississippi State stunned Florida 38-31 in Starkville, one of their 19 wins.
- 2024 Clash: The Gators’ 45-28 victory marked a turning point for coach Billy Napier, easing pressure after early-season struggles.
The Mississippi State vs Florida football history highlights Florida’s edge, but the Bulldogs’ occasional upsets keep the rivalry unpredictable.
Florida vs MS State 2024 Game Highlights
The Florida vs MS State game highlights from September 21, 2024, showcased an explosive offensive performance by the Gators, as detailed in the sports card above.
Florida’s 45-28 victory was driven by quarterback DJ Lagway, who threw for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bulldogs, led by coach Jeff Lebby, answered with 28 points, including a 75-yard touchdown run by Johnnie Daniels.
Standout Plays
- First Quarter: Florida struck early with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Lagway to Elijah Badger.
- Second Quarter: Mississippi State responded with a 12-play, 80-yard drive, capped by a 10-yard rushing score.
- Fourth Quarter: Florida sealed the game with a 42-yard field goal and a late interception by Jordan Castell.
These highlights underscored Florida’s offensive depth and Mississippi State’s resilience, making it a memorable SEC clash.
Florida vs MS State Score and Stats (2024)
The Florida vs MS State score of 45-28 in 2024 reflects a high-scoring affair, with key stats illustrating both teams’ strengths:
| Category | Florida Gators | Mississippi State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 45 | 28 |
| Total Yards | 420 | 360 |
| Passing Yards | 260 | 180 |
| Rushing Yards | 160 | 180 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 32:15 | 27:45 |
Florida vs MS State stats show the Gators’ balanced attack, with DJ Lagway’s 154.9 passer rating outshining Mississippi State’s efforts. The Bulldogs’ 180 rushing yards highlighted their ground game, but turnovers proved costly.
Florida vs MS State 2025 Schedule and Game Time
The Florida vs MS State 2025 schedule includes a highly anticipated football matchup on October 18, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, designated as Florida’s Homecoming game.
The game time is set for an afternoon window, likely between 2:30–3:30 PM or 5:00–7:00 PM, with the exact time and TV channel to be confirmed closer to the date.
2025 Football Schedule Context
- Florida’s Schedule: The Gators face a grueling slate, including LSU, Texas, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, making the Mississippi State game a critical “winnable” matchup.
- Mississippi State’s Schedule: The Bulldogs open with Southern Miss (August 30), Arizona State (September 6), and Alcorn State (September 13), aiming for a 4-0 start before SEC play.
This game’s timing during Florida’s Homecoming adds extra stakes, with fans expecting a vibrant atmosphere.
Florida vs MS State Prediction for 2025
Florida vs MS State prediction for 2025 leans toward the Gators, given their recent dominance and home-field advantage. Florida’s 8-5 record in 2024, bolstered by a strong second half under DJ Lagway, contrasts with Mississippi State’s 2-10 season, marred by losses to bowl teams.
Factors Influencing the Prediction
- Florida’s Strengths: A robust defense led by Tyreak Sapp (7 sacks in 2024) and an offense powered by Lagway, a Heisman contender, give Florida an edge.
- Mississippi State’s Challenges: With 22 players in the transfer portal, the Bulldogs face roster uncertainty, though coach Jeff Lebby aims to stabilize the offense.
- Home Advantage: Florida’s Homecoming crowd at The Swamp could intimidate the Bulldogs.
- Series History: Florida’s 35-19-2 lead suggests historical dominance.
Prediction: Florida wins 38-24, capitalizing on their offensive depth and home energy, though Mississippi State’s improved passing game keeps it competitive.
Florida vs MS State Basketball: A Competitive SEC Clash
Florida vs Mississippi State basketball adds another layer to this rivalry, with both teams vying for SEC supremacy.
In 2024-25, Florida, led by coach Todd Golden, boasts a 12-2 record, while Mississippi State, under Chris Jans, holds a 10-4 mark. Their most recent meeting on January 25, 2025, saw Florida edge out a 79-74 victory in Starkville.
Basketball Highlights
- Scoring Leaders: Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. averaged 17.5 points, while Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard led with 16.8 points.
- Rebounding: Florida’s Alex Condon grabbed 7.2 rebounds per game, outpacing Mississippi State’s Tolu Smith (6.5 rebounds).
- Key Moment: Florida’s 10-0 run in the second half sealed their 79-74 win.
Florida vs Mississippi State basketball score trends show tight contests, with Florida winning 3 of the last 5 meetings since 2020.
Florida vs MS State Head-to-Head History
Florida vs MS State head-to-head records span football and basketball, with Florida holding an edge in both:
| Sport | Florida Wins | MS State Wins | Ties | Last Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Football | 35 | 19 | 2 | 2024 (45-28) |
| Basketball | 67 | 52 | 0 | 2025 (79-74) |
Football: Florida’s 35-19-2 lead includes a 14-5 record in Gainesville. Basketball: Florida’s 67-52 edge reflects their consistency, though Mississippi State has won 2 of the last 5 games, showing growing competitiveness.
Florida vs MS State Rivalry: Passion and Tradition
The Florida vs MS State rivalry thrives on SEC pride, though it’s less intense than Florida’s rivalries with Georgia or Florida State. Key factors fueling the rivalry include:
- Shared Conference: Both teams compete in the SEC, ensuring annual or near-annual matchups.
- Memorable Upsets: Mississippi State’s 2004 and 1988 football wins remain iconic for Bulldogs fans.
- Fan Passion: Florida’s Gator Nation and Mississippi State’s Dawg Pound create electric game-day atmospheres.
While not a marquee rivalry, the competitive spirit and historical significance keep fans engaged.
Florida vs MS State Tickets and Live Stream Options
Florida vs MS State tickets for the October 18, 2025, football game are in high demand due to Florida’s Homecoming.
Prices typically range from $50 for upper-deck seats to $200 for premium sections at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Basketball tickets for 2025-26 games average $20–$80, depending on venue and seating.
Florida vs MS State live stream options include:
- Football: Likely broadcast on ESPN, ABC, or SEC Network, with streaming on ESPN+ or FuboTV.
- Basketball: Available on ESPN2, SEC Network, or CBS Sports, with streaming on ESPN+.
Check official team websites or ticket platforms for availability, and verify broadcast schedules closer to game day.
Florida vs MS State Performance History
Florida vs MS State performance history reveals trends in both sports:
Football
- Florida’s Dominance: The Gators have won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including 2024’s 45-28 victory.
- Mississippi State’s Peaks: The Bulldogs’ 2004 and 1988 wins highlight their upset potential.
- Scoring Trends: Recent games average 65 combined points, reflecting offensive firepower.
Basketball
- Close Contests: Since 2015, games average a 5-point margin, with Florida holding a slight edge.
- Key Players: Florida’s Colin Castleton and Mississippi State’s Reggie Perry defined past matchups.
- Rebounding Edge: Florida averages 38 rebounds per game against Mississippi State’s 35.
This performance history underscores Florida’s consistency but highlights Mississippi State’s ability to challenge.
Florida vs MS State Recap: Recent Games
Florida vs MS State recap for recent games includes:
- Football (2024): Florida’s 45-28 win featured DJ Lagway’s 260 passing yards and a strong defensive stand. Mississippi State’s Johnnie Daniels rushed for 120 yards, but turnovers hurt their chances.
- Basketball (2025): Florida’s 79-74 victory showcased Walter Clayton Jr.’s 20-point performance, while Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard kept it close with 18 points.
These recaps highlight the competitive nature of both sports, with Florida leveraging key moments to secure wins.
FAQs About Florida vs MS State
- What was the Florida vs MS State score in 2024?
The Florida vs MS State score in football was 45-28, with Florida winning on September 21, 2024. - When is the Florida vs MS State 2025 game?
The Florida vs MS State 2025 schedule lists the football game on October 18, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. - What is the Florida vs MS State head-to-head record?
In football, Florida leads 35-19-2; in basketball, Florida leads 67-52. - How can I watch Florida vs MS State live?
Florida vs MS State live games are typically on ESPN, ABC, or SEC Network, with streaming on ESPN+ or FuboTV. - What are the Florida vs MS State predictions for 2025?
Experts predict Florida to win 38-24 in football, citing their home advantage and DJ Lagway’s performance. - What are key Florida vs MS State stats?
In 2024 football, Florida had 420 total yards to Mississippi State’s 360. In 2025 basketball, Florida won 79-74 with a 10-0 run. - Where can I get Florida vs MS State tickets?
Tickets for the 2025 football game are available through team websites or ticket platforms, starting at $50.
Conclusion of Florida vs MS State
Florida vs MS State embodies the heart of SEC competition, blending a storied football rivalry with intense basketball matchups.
With Florida’s 35-19-2 football lead and 67-52 basketball edge, the Gators hold historical dominance, yet Mississippi State’s upset potential keeps fans on edge.
The 2024 football clash (45-28) and 2025 basketball thriller (79-74) showcase the rivalry’s excitement, while the October 18, 2025, Homecoming game promises another epic showdown.
From game highlights to predictions, this rivalry captivates with its blend of athleticism, strategy, and passion, making it a must-watch for Florida Gators and Bulldogs fans alike.
