GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Traditionally, homecoming is supposed to be a celebratory weekend at the University of Florida. Including on the football field. 
 
But in 2025, obviously, there are no givens when it comes to the Gators (2-4, 1-3), who in facing Southeastern Conference foe Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2) Saturday at Spurrier/Florida Field may very well do so under must-win circumstances relative to the status of embattled Coach Billy Napier. A happy homecoming would appear to be a prerequisite.
 
[Read senior writer Scott Carter‘s comprehensive “Opening Kickoff” setup here]
 

Rumors and published reports regarding Napier’s status were rampant all week, but they’ll eventually give way to actual football, which will be a welcome relief/release for a team that has lost four of the last five, including a 34-17 setback a week ago at Texas A&M. 
 

“I do think that’s a reality in our profession … for me, ultimately we’ve got to get consumed with what’s important now.” — Napier when asked about hot seat, case for more time

— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) October 15, 2025

That loss to the Aggies marked the fourth consecutive game against an opponent ranked in the Associated Press Top 10, a record streak for the UF program. The incoming Bulldogs aren’t ranked, but a glance at the Gators’ next month – following next weekend’s open date – shows matchups against No. 9 Georgia in Jacksonville, at unranked Kentucky, at No. 5 Ole Miss and home to No. 11 Tennessee and rival Florida State to round out the season. 
 
Translation: They need this one.
 
MSU, which is making its first trip to the “Swamp” since 2010, is in its second season under Jeff Lebby, whose assistant coaching track record shows stops at UCF, Ole Miss, Oklahoma and alongside some coaches (Josh Heupel, Lane Kiffin) who know offense. Lebby, though, is looking for his first SEC win as a head coach. 
 
The Bulldogs, with Blake Shapen (1,099 yards, 67.1%, 9 TD, 4 INT) under center, rank 10^th in the SEC and 65^thnationally in total offense (397.7 yards per game) and are averaging 33.7 points. They’ve been more adept at running (183.5 ypg, 43^rd nationally) than passing (211.2, 89th), but the UF defense, while 10^th in the SEC and 33^rd in the country (315.8 ypg), has not consistently distinguished itself as a play-making unit. 

On the other side of the ball, quarterback DJ Lagway (1,233 yards, 66.5%, 9 TD, 7 INT) and the Florida offense (348.2 ypg), rated 99^th nationally and 13^th in the SEC, also are looking for consistency. The Gators started red-hot last week, scoring touchdowns on two of their first three possessions (with a pair of 75-yard scoring drives), but totaled 137 yards on their other 11 possessions over their final 10 possessions.
 
UF had all kinds of problems up front, both in pass protection (3 sacks) and generating holes for tailback Jadan Baugh (461 yards, 3 TD) and the running game (74 yards and just 3.4 per carry). The Mississippi State defense (11^th in the SEC and 46^th nationally at 334.5 ypg) is not of A&M’s caliber, but the Bulldogs are excellent at forcing turnovers (11 so far, which is tied for 16^th in the country), with eight interceptions, which is second-best in the league. 
 
Napier is 21-23 as coach at Florida, but 3-0 in homecoming games. That latter number needs to go to 4-0. 
 
Coverage begins at 4:15 p.m. on ESPN with Dave Neal on play-by-play, Fozzy Whitaker providing analysis and Morgan Uber working the sidelines. The Gators Sports Network from Learfield broadcast will air with pregame coverage beginning at 1 p.m. and eventually give way to the team of Sean Kelley, Shane Matthews and Tate Casey on the call. For GSN stations, click here. 

The game will re-air Monday at 4 a.m. and again Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., both on the SEC Network.

Finally, follow senior writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) on X for commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have complete post-game coverage from the game late Saturday night and follow-up content Sunday, also.

 

Email senior writer Chris Harry at chrish@gators.ufl.edu. Find his story archives here.