Florida did not win. Florida escaped. The 23-21 squeaker over an SEC team on a 15-game league skid reads like a billboard for why Billy Napier should be out. The only reason the Gators survived was raw talent bailing out dreadful game management and penalty-prone slop.

Jadan Baugh was the grown-up in the room with 150 rushing yards and a touchdown, while DJ Lagway piled up 280 passing yards. But he threw two interceptions that kept Mississippi State alive.

The game ended with a gift as defensive tackle Michai Boireau intercepted a deflected Blake Shapen pass with the Bulldogs already in field goal range. Make no mistake. Florida didn’t close; Florida got rescued.

Napier’s decisions kept the door wide open.

A late 3rd and 1 quarterback keeper failed and handed momentum back after a 3rd and 7 keeper earlier went nowhere. Florida took back-to-back penalties that turned a chip-shot kick into a long attempt.

Goal to go produced runs to the doorstep, then three straight incomplete passes. The final possession before halftime was bungled. A 12-men on the field flag ruined a two-point try.

Another long touchdown was erased by a penalty for the fourth time this season. See where I’m going here? This is not bad luck. This is bad football.

Mississippi State is toothless in the league and still threw for 324 yards with Shapen.

Davon Booth gashed for 105 and two scores. Florida’s secondary was a patchwork with Jordan Castell and Cormani McClain out and Devin Moore in a sling after the first series, but that is life in the SEC. Find answers or get exposed.

Napier is 22-23 overall and 12-16 in SEC play.

Nothing about Saturday suggests an upward trend. If athletic director Scott Stricklin wants to change the trajectory, the open week is the window with Georgia next.