Cowbell Corner

What Went Right for Mississippi State Against Florida?

There are positive takeaways from Saturday’s game against Florida despite a 17-point home loss

Taylor Hodges

Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Johnnie Daniels (20) runs the ball against Florida Gators defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Johnnie Daniels (20) runs the ball against Florida Gators defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images
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STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State fans should begin preparing for a long season after losing at home 45-28 to Florida.

It’s the Bulldogs’ third-straight loss and to make things worse, the schedule isn’t going to get any easier with their next games being against No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Georgia.

But, as I’ve said after Mississippi State’s last two losses, there are always positive takeaways from a game, no matter if the team wins or loses.

So, here’s some of the things that went right for Mississippi State against Florida:

Mississippi State Offense: What went right?

Running the ball. In a nice coincidental case of symmetry, the Bulldogs ran for the exact same number of yards as they did throwing the ball (240 yards). Mississippi State hadn’t ran for more than 66 yards against an FBS team this season. It helped that Florida’s run defense is about as bad as the Bulldogs’ but it’s good to see them take advantage of an opponent’s weakness like that.

Mississippi State Defense: What went right?

First drive of second half. The best moment of the game for Mississippi State’s defense came on the Gators’ second half opening drive. The Bulldogs had ended the first half with a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14 points and holding Florida scoreless to start the second half would be key to any comeback. The Bulldogs allowed just eight yards on the possession, forcing a three-and-out. However they managed to pull that off, they need to replicate it more often.

Mississippi State Special Teams: What went right?

Booth’s big kick return. Following Florida’s first touchdown, Davon Booth returned the ensuing kickoff to near midfield. That gave Mississippi State’s offense better field position and took advantage with a nine-play drive that, fittingly enough, ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Booth, tying the game at 7-7.

Read More:

Florida Hands Mississippi State Third-Straight Loss, 45-28

Mississippi State's Defensive Woes Continue in Loss to Florida

Signs of Progress: Mississippi State Offense Shows Growth in Tough Florida Loss

What Went Wrong For Mississippi State Against Florida?

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Taylor Hodges

TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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