Florida (3-8) vs. Florida State (5-6), Saturday, 4:30 p.m., ESPN2
Latest line: Gators are favored by 1 1/2 points
Edgar Thompson, Florida Gators writer: Florida 24, Florida State 20
On Senior Day at the Swamp, struggling Florida sets aside an embarrassing effort against Tennessee to end a four-game losing streak and play spoiler as the Seminoles fall a win shy of a bowl bid. Florida-Florida State, once among college football’s showcase games, has lost its luster outside of the Sunshine State. A close game decided in the fourth quarter Saturday shows this heated rivalry still generates excitement even when the stakes are low.
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: Florida State 24, Florida 14
This once-proud rivalry has been reduced to this — the football equivalent of two raccoons in the dumpster fighting over a half-eaten slice of pizza. The Gators have already fired their coach, and the Seminoles would have done the same if they could afford it. Ah, but this is the type of rivalry where you can throw the records out the window — and, believe me, both teams would love to do just that. This game is so bad that televisions will mysteriously turn themselves off, and the only true winner will be the mute button, which finally gets the recognition it deserves. Give me the Seminoles because, at least, they still have something to play for — if you count a bid to the Gasparilla Bowl as incentive.
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes writer: Florida State 28, Florida 14
This has been another season for both Gators and Seminoles fans to forget. Many FSU fans want coach Mike Norvell fired, while UF fans got their wish when Billy Napier was let go a few weeks ago. Although this season has been disappointing for both teams, Florida State still has a chance at bowl eligibility to play for — win this rivalry game and FSU gets to extend its season a few more weeks. The Gators are just hoping to avoid the program’s worst campaign since the winless 1979 season. What’s one more embarrassment to add to the pile?
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Florida State 27, Florida 17
The Gators look like they have packed it in as another disappointing season comes to a close in Gainesville. While UF’s chances of winning the Lane Kiffin sweepstakes remains up in the air, one thing is for certain — the Gators have nothing to play for, while FSU can clinch a bowl berth with a win. For that reason, you can be sure the Seminoles will have extra motivation to knock off their longtime rival at the Swamp. UF, which was dominated at home by Tennessee last week, likely will continue to sputter on offense with DJ Lagway.
