FSU and UF face off today
UF wants to close a tough year with a win
in Gainesville in a rivalry matchup between two longtime foes who fell way short of expectations.
GAINESVILLE — When Florida-Florida State square off, records don’t matter, conventional wisdom says.
A fierce in-state rivalry pitting programs with a combined six national titles since 1993, two proud fan bases and dozens of players with histories dating to Pop Warner give the game juice few can match.
“It’s great competition,” UF sophomore Josh Hammond said.
But this year, records actually do matter. Never in college football’s modern era — dating to 1960 — have the two programs been so down at the same time.
For the first time since 1959, a year after the annual series began, both the Gators (4-6) and Seminoles (4-6) enter the game below .500.
“I feel like these two programs probably will never have a year like this ever again,” UF sophomore linebacker David Reese said. “We’ll be fine and we’ll get back.”
Over the years, the Florida-Florida State game would define two of the top programs in college football.
The Choke at Doak, UF’s win two years later during the 1996 national-title game or the 1997 thriller in the Swamp are part of Gators’ lore.
The Seminoles’ list of memorable wins includes 1993, courtesy of Charlie Ward’s pass to Warrick Dunn in Gainesville, FSU’s crucial 1998 win following a pre-game fight instigated by UF in Doak Campbell Stadium and a 30-23 decision a year later en route to coach Bobby Bowden’s second national title.
But since the Seminoles’ 2003 win during the socalled “Swindle in the Swamp,” the rivalry has been decidedly one-sided. Following six straight wins by the Gators, FSU has lost just once — in 2012 — during the past seven seasons.
This year’s rendition looks to be a toss-up between two teams playing out the season, seeking motivation where they can find it.
The Gators want to make “Senior Day” one to remember for 20 seniors, along with interim coach Randy Shannon and a staff that soon will be looking for new jobs.
“Those are our first priorities ... our seniors, trying to finish them off strong,” Reese said. “That’s what I take pride in.”
FSU enters today’s game still looking for a chance to extend its nation-leading streak of 35 straight bowl appearances. The Seminoles rescheduled a visit from Louisiana-Monroe for next week hoping to become bowl eligible but first must beat the Gators for a shot to reach six wins.
“We hear they have an opportunity at a bowl game, so we’re going to just spoil that,” UF receiver Dre Massey said. “There’s not much to look forward to with this season, so we’re looking forward to that.”
Which struggling offense performs better could decide the outcome.
UF ranks 109th and FSU 110th of 129 teams nationally in total offense and are No. 113 and No. 115, respectively, in plays longer than 10 yards.
But each attack gained confidence last weekend at the expense of overmatched competition.
The Gators scored more than 20 points for the first time since September and 30 for just the second time all season during a 36-7 against bowl-bound UAB. FSU destroyed Football Championship Subdivision foe Delaware State 77-6 after totaling just 44 points during the previous three games — two of them losses.
Help is on the way for the Gators, who continue to pursue a coach to replace Jim McElwain. Top candidate Chip Kelly likely is out of the running and could be bound for UCLA.
But with FSU’s signature war chant playing at Tuesday’s practice, the Gators were focusing on enjoying their last game for a long time.
“Everybody wants to play football 365 [days] a year,” Hammond said. “It’s sad to come to an end, but we’re definitely gonna look forward to [FSU]. We’re gonna cherish this last week and go out and play our tails off.”