The SEC has a record-setting 8 conference games in Week 8. Every game on the slate features at least 1 ranked team, except the one taking place in Gainesville between Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC) and Florida (2-4, 1-2 SEC).
Does that fact make the Bulldogs-Gators matchup the least intriguing of the weekend? Not to us. This game’s result will have a big impact on both programs. Head coach Jeff Lebby is trying to secure the first SEC win of his Mississippi State tenure and show his team’s 4-0 start wasn’t a fluke. He won’t be going anywhere if he loses, but Florida head coach Billy Napier could be shoved right out the door if he doesn’t get a win.
Both the Bulldogs and Gators enter this contest coming off 3-possession road losses to Texas A&M. Mississippi State, before its Week 7 bye, fell 31-9 to the Aggies. Florida was doubled up, 34-17, by Texas A&M in Week 7. The 2 squads are hoping to use the experience of those defeats to find victory this Saturday afternoon.
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Gators a 67.8% chance of beating the Bulldogs this weekend. Florida’s moneyline reflects a 78.3% implied winning probability. That differential indicates that FPI thinks this battle will be closer than Las Vegas does. Kickoff for the game is set for 4:15 p.m. E.T. on Oct. 18 (SEC Network).
