Down years matter little in rivalry
Despite struggles, stakes high for Gators, ’Noles
GAINESVILLE — Randy Shannon played in the greatest Miami-Florida State game of all time — the Hurricanes’ 26-25 win against the Seminoles in 1987.
The game is one of many against the Seminoles for the 51-year-old. Saturday’s visit from FSU will be No. 24 for UF’s interim head coach, though he could not pinpoint a number.
“With FSU, oh man, there’s a lot of them — playing-wise and coaching-wise,” he said.
None of those matchups stand out to Shannon, even the ’87 game that helped the ’Canes to a national title.
Every game against the Seminoles — involving UM or UF — features so many common threads and one common goal.
“I know a lot of the kids on that roster,” Shannon said. “I know a lot of coaches on that staff. Played against some of
them. Some of them I coached with. I’ve [known FSU head coach] Jimbo [Fisher] since recruiting when I first started being a coach. Me and him recruited a young man when he was at Auburn.
“It’s coaching; that’s a part of it. We’re all competitive. We all want to win.”
Neither proud program has won much this season. Each is 4-6 and looking for a signature win to buoy a disappointing season.
Entering its final game, UF is destined for its second losing season in five years but could end a fourgame losing streak against FSU. With a Dec. 2 makeup game with LouisianaMonroe up next, the Seminoles look to continue a streak of bowl appearances dating to the 1982 season.
But the motivation for many involved in the game goes deeper than streaks and bowl games.
“This game, Florida State, beat them ... It would mean everything to me,” UF senior receiver Brandon Powell.
A native of Deerfield Beach, Powell grew up an FSU fan in a household of them.
“It’s going to be a lot of trash talk,” he said. “I’m prepared for it.”
UF quarterback Feleipe Franks has deep ties to the Seminoles, too. The son of an FSU alum, Franks grew up five minutes from Doak Campbell Stadium.
“It’s gonna be a big game, all my family, friends, high school buddies all went to Florida State,” the 19-year-old said. “I mean it’ll be a fun game. It’s Florida State, man, nothing really to say.”
Many players in the game grew up together and played high school football either as teammates or opponents. Eventually, each had to make a college choice, with many picking either the Gators or the Seminoles.
Shannon said these bonds guarantee a hardfought game, regardless of the circumstances.
“This is a rivalry game,” he said. “This is a state game. These teams always challenge each other no matter what. No matter what the record is and what the talent level is on both sides of the football it’s going to be a very hard, physical game that you want to be a part of.”
The 2017 edition has lost some luster. But people around the state of Florida and beyond will tune in at noon Saturday on ESPN because of the game’s tradition.
One day, some watching might have to choose whether to become a Gator or a Seminole.
Given the recruiting implications and relationships of those involved in the game, Shannon expects the two teams to do the rivalry justice.
“Anytime you play Miami-Florida State, Florida State-Miami, Florida-Miami, Florida-Florida State, it’s always big,” he said. “A lot of these guys on this football team have former high school teammates that’s at Florida State. So when they go home, who gets the bragging rights.
“It’s not just one day, it’s the whole entire year.”