Florida Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Mississippi State in Week 5

2. Feleipe Franks, Nick Fitzgerald have epic back-and-forth battle

Entering the season it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Mississippi State’s Nick Fitzgerald would resume his place among the SEC’s elite quarterbacks. Although there’s still a lot of football to be played, Fitzgerald has yet to do anything that would warrant his inclusion in that stratum of honor.

542 yards passing, four touchdowns and two interceptions through the air isn’t nearly enough production in four games to balance out his effectiveness on the ground. He’s been much more successful in that area, averaging 72 rushing yards per game with five rushing touchdowns on the season.

Franks has put together better stats, but he did throw eight of his 12 touchdown passes on the season against Charleston Southern and Tennesse. But for all the shortcomings that each has, Saturday should be a showcase of their best qualities.

Both of these players have had their moments, and neither of the opposing defenses has done enough this year to warrant much hesitation. Whether by air or by ground, points are going to be scored in bunches as Franks and Fitzgerald put on a show.