GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Florida defense vs. Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald. Florida leads the nation with 14 takeaways, only three shy of its takeaway count for all of last season. But the Gator defense will face a stiff test in trying to stop Mississippi State dual-threat QB Nick Fitzgerald, who has four TDs passing and five TDs rushing in three starts this season. Fitzgerald is Mississippi State’s second-leading rusher at 286 yards on 5.7 yards per carry. UF’s defense has recorded nine sacks on the season, but Florida pass-rushers will need to stay disciplined and stay in their lanes to prevent Fitzgerald from scrambling out of the pocket for big plays.
DRAFT SLANT
–Senior DL Cece Jefferson made an impact in his second game back from a disciplinary suspension, forcing a safety in the first half of the Tennessee game by tackling Tennessee RB Tim Jordan in the end zone. It was the second career safety for Jefferson. The 6-foot-1, 251-pound senior finished the game with three tackles, 1.5 for loss.
ROSTER REPORT:
–WR Jacob Copeland (knee) remains questionable for Mississippi State.
–CB C.J. McWilliams (undisclosed) remains questionable for Mississippi State.
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