STARKVILLE – Receiver Brenen Thompson wet a line and reeled in a few fish. Quarterback Blake Shapen was able to kick up his feet and enjoy some much-needed rest. Safety Jahron Manning allowed a few bumps and bruises to heal up.

The Bulldogs will look to take another step closer towards reaching bowl eligibility and here's everything to know to watch them Saturday.

The Bulldogs (4-2, 0-2 SEC) play at Florida (2-4, 1-2) on Oct. 18 (3:15 p.m. CT, SEC Network) after their first open week of the season. It's their first game since Bothwell was carted off the field during MSU's 31-9 loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 4.

The defense is playing at a much higher level through its four games against Southern Miss, Arizona State, Alcorn State and Northern Illinois. It’s allowed 11.8 points per game, 16th best in the country. The pass defense has conceded 129 yards per game, 14th nationally. Mississippi State hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a game.

The Bulldogs' head coach met with reporters Monday morning to talk about the bye week and their next opponent, Florida.

Mississippi State football does not play in Week 7 on Oct. 11. It is the first of two open weeks for the Bulldogs in 2025.

Mississippi State football head coach Jeff Lebby explained the reason why Fluff Bothwell was playing late against Texas A&M after his injury.

Here's what went wrong for Mississippi State football's offense against Texas A&M after its first-quarter field goal.

Mississippi State fans have rung cowbells at football games since the 1960s. Mississippi State hosts No. 15 Tennessee in Week 5 of the college football season. The SEC briefly banned cowbells at Mississippi State games before reinstating them. From the ...

The Bulldogs had the weekend off and could sit back and watch their final six opponents of the season try to survive a crazy day of games.