Mississippi State takes on Florida this weekend at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. Here\u2019s a look at who has the edge at each position.<\/p>\n
Quarterback<\/p>\n
Shapen is the more experienced player and may well have the better playmakers, but Florida\u2019s QB1 is a playmaker as well.<\/p>\n
When DJ Lagway is firing, he is dangerous. Similar to Shapen, he isn\u2019t always operating under the best of circumstances. He\u2019s taken 12 sacks this season, and most of those came in Florida\u2019s losses. Against Texas, he had a (mostly) clean pocket and thrived with 298 yards and two touchdowns in an upset win.<\/p>\n
If the Bulldogs can\u2019t make life uncomfortable, Lagway can sling it. His willingness to take risks downfield can lead to turnovers, but it can also help the Gators stay alive with big plays. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
Edge: Florida<\/p>\n
Running back<\/p>\n
Fluff Bothwell\u2019s injury complicates this one. He is one of the highest-rated running backs in the nation through six games, and has fueled MSU to the top offense in rushing-success rate in FBS. Davon Booth is a more than serviceable replacement, and Xavier Gayten is an emerging talent as well.<\/p>\n
However, one of the SEC backs who has been as efficient as Bothwell is Gators running back Jadan Baugh.<\/p>\n
Baugh has 461 yards rushing and three scores, and is a solid receiving option out of the backfield with 94 yards in the air.<\/p>\n
His biggest hindrance has been usage, and his team getting into passing situations in games has seen him only reach the 100-yard mark twice (in Florida\u2019s two wins).<\/p>\n
There isn\u2019t much production behind Baugh on the depth chart, either.<\/p>\n
Edge: Even<\/p>\n
Wide receiver\/tight end<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs take this one. Vernell Brown III has been key for the Gators in picking up chunk plays and moving the sticks this season, but it has been more production-by-committee for the Gators\u2019 receivers. Dallas Wilson and J. Michael Sturdivant are both capable of big plays, and Hayden Hansen is a very reliable receiving option at tight end, but there\u2019s nothing that really separates the Gators from MSU\u2019s most proven skill position.<\/p>\n
Brenen Thompson is back and healthy, Anthony Evans and Seydou Traore have both proven reliable stretching the field or finding gaps in the red zone, and Jordan Mosley and Ayden Williams should both be ready to turn it on after slow starts.<\/p>\n
Edge: Mississippi State<\/p>\n
Offensive line<\/p>\n
Albert Reese\u2019s return being unknown at this point is the biggest factor, and may give Florida a slight edge here. Make no mistake, the offensive line is not a true strength for either team, but the worries at tackle have been a big part of MSU losing each of its last two games. If Reese is out again, it will be hard to see much changing for the Bulldogs in terms of buying time for Shapen.<\/p>\n
That being said, the Gators\u2019 pass blockers have had three brutal performances against LSU, Miami and Texas A&M. It\u2019s not easy to give it either way.<\/p>\n
Edge: Even<\/p>\n
Defensive line<\/p>\n
Despite what their record may indicate, the Gators are no slouches in the front seven. They\u2019ve allowed just 113 rushing yards per game, and while they don\u2019t get after the quarterback all of the time, they demonstrated an ability to punish opposing offensive lines at home against Texas.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs have been fortunate to stay healthy in the middle with Kedrick Bingley-Jones and Kalvin Dinkins, but they aren\u2019t quite there in terms of getting after the quarterback. There\u2019s an opportunity to do so against a struggling Gators O-line, but we\u2019ve seen the Gators do it already.<\/p>\n
Edge: Florida<\/p>\n
Linebackers<\/p>\n
Like Reese, the return of Isaac Smith is unclear at present. The veteran at both safety and linebacker has been crucial for the Bulldogs in each of the last two seasons, but this year MSU is slightly better equipped for his absence. Nic Mitchell and Zakari Tillman have been vital returners, and Jalen Smith continues to make a difference after transferring from Tennessee.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a group of strength and experience for MSU, and one that could make a difference in containing Lagway on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Edge: Mississippi State<\/p>\n
Secondary<\/p>\n
The losses haven\u2019t taken away from one of MSU\u2019s strongest units this season, and the secondary played an important role in keeping the Bulldogs alive going into the second half against Texas A&M. Kelley Jones recorded another interception and big pass break up, and safeties Jahron Manning and Tony Mitchell emerged as part of an experienced group that can make the Gators pay for taking shots downfield.<\/p>\n
Edge: Mississippi State<\/p>\n
Special teams<\/p>\n
Kyle Ferrie has proven effective at expanding MSU\u2019s scoring range, although it didn\u2019t matter much at Kyle Field, where the Bulldogs crossed midfield just three times.<\/p>\n
The Gators have a good kicking game through Trey Smack, who lives up to the name with a long of 56 yards this season, converting 9-12 of his field goal attempts and 15-15 extra points.<\/p>\n
Edge: Even<\/p>\n