Staff Predictions: Florida at FSU

In what might be our final staff predictions article of the season, we give our honest takes about the upcoming rivalry game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Florida Gators.

Florida State enters Doak Campbell with a bowl streak and rivalry winning streak on the line. A thrilling victory over a ranked Boston College team last week has brought the team the confidence and the energy needed for another upset, but this test will be more difficult than the last.

The Florida Gators know what is on the line. In addition to the chance to break their rivals streaks, a win over FSU would help them secure a 9-3 regular season in their first year of Dan Mullen’s head coaching tenure. That could pay dividends on the recruiting trail and with the fan base.

We here at The Daily Nole have provided a week’s worth of content aimed at giving you all the information necessary for this game. Check out some of our stories below if you haven’t already:

FSU Football: First Look at Florida
FSU’s Biggest Questions for Florida
The Daily Nole — Nov. 20, 2018: FSU to Wear All Garnet vs. Florida
20-Year Nole Anniversary: Warrick’s TD Sparks Second Half Comeback vs. Florida
FSU’s Francois Looks to Put Himself in Elite Company vs. Florida

Staff Predictions

Lead writer Clint Eiland: These teams are closer than their records would make them out to be. The Gators have certainly had an encouraging rebound year on both sides of the ball, and it has shown in their doubled win count. That being said, they have lucked out a bit with their opponent lineup, which does not feature many teams that can hit at their clear weaknesses in the secondary. Add in one of the highest positive turnover margins in the country, and Florida has experienced a bit of a perfect storm.

Florida State needed last week’s victory over Boston College to give it a chance against the Gators. The offense will not undergo a radical revival, but it is pretty obvious that the route to victory will involve throwing the ball over the top. Defensively, the Seminoles will focus on trying to stop the run and forcing Feleipe Franks to beat them. If the game against the Eagles is any indication, they should be able to succeed in the first. Can Franks limit the mistakes and get the ball moving?

I think this one will be decided late in the fourth quarter. FSU has the formula to beat the Gators, but I have not seen it consistently enough to be confident in picking them. Florida 27, FSU 21.

Editor Mike Ferguson: There’s certainly a newfound confidence in Tallahassee following last week’s 22-21 win over Boston College — the first over a ranked opponent in nearly two years. Florida is susceptible to the big play through the air and quarterback Feleipe Franks has been prone to mistakes. For FSU to have a chance, it must seriously limit its miscues, stop the ground game and force Franks to win the game with his arm.

This year’s edition of the rivalry contest is truly a toss-up, but Florida has the better ground game and more consistent defense. The Seminoles have also failed to get out of their own way for much of the season. Florida 24, Florida State 21.

Digital content manager Edwin Collins: With a renewed confidence and a raucous home crowd, Florida State head coach Willie Taggart finds a way to get his second signature win in as many weeks. The winning streak over Florida moves to six years. The bowl streak will go to 37. Noles 19, Gators 17.