Get to know Mississippi State football's 2024 opponents: Florida Gators

Mississippi State football returns in just one month, and we're getting to know each team on the 2024 schedule. On September 21, the Bulldogs will host the Florida Gators in what will be a pivotal game for both teams.

We've already done a full preview of the Gators from our SEC Snapshots series, but here are three things to know about Florida football in 2024...

Graham Mertz was actually good for Florida last season!

When Florida added Wisconsin-transfer QB Graham Mertz last season to takeover for Anthony Richardson, most were stunned. Mertz had been disappointing at Wisconsin and wasn't at all the playmaker people believed the Gators needed.

But Mertz ended up proving doubters wrong. He completed nearly 73% of his passes for over 2900 yards with 20 TDs and just three INTs. He wasn't a superstar dragging UF to wins, but he managed the offense and did what he was asked to. Having him back is a good thing for UF in '24.

Florida has enough offensive skill talent to be better than expected.

Despite the losses of WR Ricky Pearsall and RB Trevor Etienne, Graham Mertz will have good weapons surrounding him on offense. WR Eugene Wilson impressed as a true freshman, and the Gators add veterans Elijah Badger and Chimere Duke from the portal. RB Montrell Johnson finally gets to be a true workhorse after going for over 800 yards each of the last two seasons.

UF's offensive skill talent is good enough that even facing such a brutal schedule, they'll be able to challenge and even beat some teams many aren't expecting them to.

Defensive improvement will make or break the Florida Gators in 2024.

While the offense should be good, if Florida is going to improve (and if Billy Napier is going to save his job...), the defense has to be much better. They allowed nearly 34 PPG and over 471 YPG in SEC games last season. That's horrific, and it's a big reason why they closed the season with five-straight losses after a 5-2 start.

Their '24 schedule is too difficult to count on winning enough shootouts to go bowling. They have more experience this season, and veteran defensive mind Ron Roberts joins the staff to help DC Austin Armstrong. We'll see if those factors lead to improvement.