Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Gators host rivals’ 1st meeting in 2 years
GAINESVILLE — Florida and Florida State will resume their long-standing rivalry following a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Much has changed and roles have reversed since the Gators’ 40-17 2019 win in the Swamp.
Like the Seminoles in 2019 with Odell Haggins, the Gators will have an interim coach in Greg Knox, stepping in for Dan Mullen. Florida also had one in 2017, when Randy Shannon oversaw a 38-22 loss in Gainesville and both teams also had losing records.
Once among college football’s best rivalries, Florida-Florida State now pits two losing teams striving for bowl eligibility during the regular-season finale. Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium When: Noon TV: ESPN Radio: ESPN FM 98.1/AM 850 WRUF, Sirius/XM 137 (App)/Ch. 190 Weather: 60 degrees, 0% rain chance Favorite: Florida by 2.5 points Online: orlandosentinel.com/ gators; @osgators on Twitter. Quick slant: Florida has won two straight, outscoring FSU by 50 points, after losing 7 of 8. Both teams are unranked for the third time (2011, ’17) since 1986. Only once since 2007 has the game been decided by one possession, a 24-19 win for FSU in 2014. Coaches: Mike Norvell, second season, 8-12 (22-11 overall), Greg Knox 1-0. About Florida State (5-6): Jordan Travis continues to gain confidence as FSU’s starting quarterback, accounting for 1,765 total yards of offense and 20 total touchdowns. Over the past six games, Travis has completed 66% (90 of 137) of his passes for 1,100 yards with 10 touchdowns and 1 interception. … Tailback Jashaun Corbin remains an elusive threat out of the backfield, averaging an ACC-best 6.4 yards per attempt. According to Pro Football Focus, Corbin is averaging 4.66 yards after contact, with 634 of his 877 yards coming after the initial contact. … FSU has 13 takeaways since starting 0-4 while turning the ball over 7 times. The Seminoles have recorded at least 1 interception in seven straight games, the longest streak since 2007. About Florida (5-6): The Gators face many obstacles to get their first Power 5 win since Oct. 9 against Vanderbilt. Quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee will replace Mullen as play caller for a skeleton coaching staff and look to invigorate a struggling offense averaging just 15.7 points during Florida’s last three losses to FBS opponents. QB Emory Jones threw just 3 touchdowns during losses to LSU, Georgia, South Carolina and Missouri. On the plus side, Jones has cut down on turnovers, with 2 during the past three games. The inability of Florida’s defense to generate turnovers (2 in past three games) remains a liability. The Gators did hold Missouri to an average of 4.7 yards per play after allowing the four previous opponents at least 6.2 yards per snap. 3 things to watch 1. Florida’s focus. A lack of energy and effort were not the issue during the Gators’ overtime loss at Missouri. With an uncertain future, interim coach and bowl bid at stake the school might not even accept, each player’s resolve will be tested. 2. FSU’s dominant defensive front. In back-to-back weeks, the Seminoles have leaned on their defense to come up with a crucial stop late in wins against Miami and Boston College. This season, the unit has been a bright spot, registering 32 sacks, including 10 over the last three games. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II leads the ACC in sacks (11) and tackles for loss (17), while Keir Thomas has added 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. 3. Gators’ run game. Florida was the SEC’s top running team during September, averaging 320.5 yards in four games. A steady production decline ensued, culminating for just 175 yards combined at South Carolina and Missouri.