GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida coach Billy Napier started to jog off the field, heard the boos and kicked it into another gear. He was trying to escape the negativity.

His ultimate exit could come as early as Sunday.

Jadan Baugh ran for a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown, DJ Lagway threw for 280 yards to offset two interceptions and Florida held on to beat Mississippi State 23-21 on Saturday in what may have been Napier’s finale.

“I think I’m built for it; I’m made for it,” Napier said. “I chose the coaching profession; I was called to coach. The good comes with the bad. The bad comes with the good. The game’s about the players, and I’m proud of the way they played.”

“I love the game of football,” he added, choking back tears. “I love the game.”

The Gators (3-4, 2-2 Southeastern Con

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