Despite being one of the most intense rivalries in NCAA football, the matchups between Florida and Florida State do not have as much of the history as some of the older battles. The two teams have been playing for the Florida Cup since 1958, and Florida leads the series 34-24, with two ties. The Gators controlled the series in its early years until the arrival of Bobby Bowden to coach the Seminoles, but it has been even since that time, with each side winning 10 times in the last 20 meetings. Last year, Florida State dominated the Gators, 27-2 down in Gainesville. Get the updated college football picks by clicking here.
Florida State Seminoles vs Florida Gators 2016 Week 13 Expert Picks
When: Saturday, November 26, 2016, time TBA
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
TV: TBA
Radio: Seminole IMG Sports Network
Live Stream:NCAA LiveNCAA Odds: TBA
Why should you bet on Florida Gators?
Luke Del Rio has transferred in from Oregon State and is likely to be the starting quarterback for an offense that did little right last season. Mark Thompson is a juco transfer who should be a solid tailback. These means that Del Rio won’t have to be magnificent at quarterback — he just needs to be efficient. The defense was rock solid — eighth in the nation. If you’re losing the time of possession battle, though, your defense will be exhausted in the fourth period — and you’ll lose big games. The pass rush was solid and needs to keep rolling, and if the offense can move the ball, the Florida Gators can make this a game.
Why should you put your money on the Florida State Seminoles?
Florida State went 10-3 last year, but their losses during the regular season were close — and heartbreaking. They were upset by Georgia Tech in their seventh game, losing on a blocked field goal return on the game’s final play. Two weeks later, they went to Clemson and lost, but they were using a new quarterback. They didn’t show a lot of interest against Group of Five foe Houston in the Peach Bowl, which is why they lost fairly easily. They return 17 starters this year, including all 11 offensive starters. Senior quarterback Sean Maguire returns, as does Dalvin Cook, who has already posted two seasons of more than 1,000 yards rushing. The defense, which only permitted 18 points per game, has six starters coming back. Given the Gators’ offensive struggles, the Seminoles should be able to keep them largely in line.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
Right now, the Gators have too many questions for me to take them in this game. Florida State has a solid squad returning from last year, and I like them to play even hungrier in the ACC — and in this rivalry game. I’m predicting a 34-10 Seminole win.
