Rapid Reaction to Florida's 23-21 win over Mississippi State

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators prevailed on homecoming Saturday with a narrow 23-21 victory over Mississippi State. Jadan Baugh had a career day and Michai Boireau made the game-sealing pick, but the story of the night were the crowd’s chants for Billy Napier’s job — even in a win.

After the game, I was joined by Gators Online’s Keith Niebuhr to break it all down. In the video above, we share our rapid reaction to the Florida Gators’ win over the Bulldogs.

RELATED: Billy Napier appears resigned to his fate following Miss State game

Listen to Rapid Reaction from homecoming

Billy Napier on the Florida Gators’ 23-21 win

Let me tell you something, I have a ton of respect for Jeff Lebby. He and I kind of grew up the same way. He’s a football coach. He’s a good person. He’s got a good team. They fought, they battled. This is their third SEC game in a row where they’re in the fight, with Tennessee, Texas A&M and the Gators tonight. Their team has improved from year one to year two. Hats off to Mississippi State.

I think it was awesome in there today. I think the fans were incredible. I do think that they helped our players get it done. We were really excited about the opportunity to represent this place. I think that was the emphasis all week. The effort was there.

There was quite a bit of adversity in the game just in general. I was joking with Derron and Vinnie a while ago. They say coaching in the SEC is like dog years, okay? I want to tell you something, Derron and Vinnie, they got their seven years’ worth tonight.

We got multiple injuries in the secondary, players not available. Basically played with the backups and some threes. Bryce Thornton was out there directing the troops and did a really good job.

Some standouts, Alfonzo Allen makes 15 tackles. A walk-on that’s earned a scholarship at different times in his career. Huge fourth-down play. I mean, incredible. The guy is a football player. Not the biggest guy, fastest guy, but instinctive. He stepped up in the team in a major way. Is that guy even here 10 years from now? Probably not, right? He was clutch.

Trey Smack was ice in his veins. Just continues. I think he’s perfect since the opener, just showing who he is. That rubs off on the team. You can see it when he does it.

Jadan Baugh has a career high 150-plus.

In general I think that the defense kind of settled down there. We won the turnover margin 4-2. If you count the missed field goal, turnovers and downs. DJ did throw a couple of interceptions, but he made a lot of plays. Quarterback rating is 116. Close to having a big day.

I do think just really proud of the group, with the way they handled last week. It was tough. They showed up to work. I think for young people, to be able to eliminate distractions and show up and do very hard work. It’s not easy what we ask these guys to do. They were well-prepared. They showed up and played. We had a bunch of guys banged up.

Did have some injuries that you’ll ask about. Did have a few penalties, touchdown called back, couple others that will be debatable.

But I’m proud of the team. I’m thankful for the fans showing up and encouraging the team, being in the middle of the fight with the group. This league, man, you win a game, doesn’t matter who you put out there, I think you’re seeing that you take ’em.

It’s a good win for the Gators. 

RELATED: Everything Billy Napier said after the Florida Gators win over Mississippi State