Gainesville, Florida, October 21, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling match, the Mississippi State Bulldogs experienced a heartbreaking 23-21 loss to the Florida Gators. The Bulldogs initially led with a touchdown but struggled as Florida took the lead and maintained it with a late interception halting their final efforts. Key players like Davon Booth made notable contributions with two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory. This defeat extended Mississippi State’s SEC losing streak as they prepare for their next challenge against Texas.
Gainesville, Florida – The Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-3, 0-3 SEC) suffered a devastating 23-21 loss to the Florida Gators (3-4, 2-2) on October 18, 2025. The defeat came in heartbreaking fashion after Mississippi State’s final drive ended with an interception by Florida’s Michai Boireau, dashing their hopes of victory with only 26 seconds remaining in the game.
The Bulldogs initially took control of the game with a two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kamario Taylor, giving them a 7-0 lead. Florida responded with a 24-yard field goal by their kicker to narrow the score to 7-3. The Gators gained momentum in the second quarter, taking their first lead at 10-7 with a 19-yard touchdown run by Jadan Baugh. Just before halftime, Florida added another field goal, extending their lead to 13-7.
The game remained scoreless through the third quarter until Florida started the fourth with a 1-yard touchdown run by KD Daniels, pushing their lead to 20-7. The Bulldogs fought back as Davon Booth scored a two-yard touchdown, decreasing the deficit to 20-14. Florida added a field goal to make it 23-14 with under seven minutes left on the clock. In a determined effort, Booth found the end zone again, cutting Florida’s lead to 23-21 with only 2:32 remaining.
Mississippi State’s defense stepped up to force a Florida punt, giving their offense one last chance. Blake Shapen, the Bulldogs’ quarterback, who threw for a total of 324 yards during the game, attempted to lead his team to a game-winning score, but the interception halted their hopes.
On the ground, Davon Booth rushed for 105 yards and scored two touchdowns, filling in effectively for star running back Fluff Bothwell, who was sidelined. Receivers Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans combined for impressive performances, accumulating 262 receiving yards. On the defensive side, Brylan Lanier contributed significantly with eight tackles and two vital interceptions, keeping the Bulldogs competitive throughout the match.
This loss marked Mississippi State’s 15th consecutive loss in SEC play, raising concerns about their ability to turn the season around. The Bulldogs will look to regroup as they prepare to host Texas for their homecoming game on October 25, 2025, with kickoff scheduled at either 2:30 or 3:15 p.m. CT.
Key Statistics
- Final Score: Mississippi State 21, Florida 23
- Mississippi State Record: 4-3, 0-3 SEC
- Florida Record: 3-4, 2-2 SEC
- MSU quarterback Blake Shapen: 324 passing yards
- Davon Booth: 105 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
- Receiver duo: Brenen Thompson & Anthony Evans: 262 receiving yards
- Brylan Lanier: 8 tackles, 2 interceptions
Upcoming Game
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Texas: October 25, 2025, at 2:30 or 3:15 p.m. CT.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Mississippi State vs. Florida game?
The final score was Mississippi State 21, Florida 23.
What was the record of Mississippi State after the game?
After the game, Mississippi State’s record was 4-3, with a SEC record of 0-3.
Who scored the touchdowns for Mississippi State?
Davon Booth scored two touchdowns for Mississippi State.
When is Mississippi State’s next game?
Mississippi State’s next game is against Texas on October 25, 2025.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Mississippi State 21, Florida 23 |
| Mississippi State Record | 4-3, 0-3 SEC |
| Florida Record | 3-4, 2-2 SEC |
| Key Players (MSU) | Blake Shapen, Davon Booth, Brylan Lanier |
| Total Passing Yards (MSU) | 324 |
| Total Rushing Yards (Booth) | 105 |
| Upcoming Game | Against Texas on October 25, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Basketball Teams Prepare for Upcoming Season
Georgia and Alabama Dominate in SEC Week 8
Texas Longhorns Take on Mississippi State in Anticipated Game
Mississippi State Prepares for Key Matchup Against Texas Longhorns
DeSean Bishop Cleared to Play Against Alabama
Mississippi State Soccer Team Prepares for Key Match Against Vanderbilt
Starkville Gears Up for Homecoming Week and Security Enhancements
Mississippi Towns Shine in Southern Recognition
Mississippi State Men’s Soccer Team Faces Setback
Ole Miss Volleyball Faces Mississippi State Rivalry Match
Additional Resources
- Gators Wire
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Gainesville.com
- Google Search: Mississippi State football
- Clarion Ledger
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football
- Hail State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.

