FSU at UF
Where: Ben Hill Griffin, Gainesville
When: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN2
Weather: 71 degrees, 10% rain chance
Latest line: UF is favored by 1 point
Coaches: Mike Norvell is 38-33 at FSU, 76-48 overall; Billy Gonzales is 0-4 at UF.
Quick slant: UF and FSU square off unranked for the third time in five meetings. Prior to that, either the Gators or Seminoles were ranked every time the rivals met dating to 1986, other than 2017 and 2011. UF has sold out 18 straight games at the Swamp.
Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos (1) celebrates after scoring the first touchdown against Florida State on Monday night in Tallahassee. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley)
About FSU (5-6): To become bowl-eligible for the third time in Norvell’s six seasons, the Seminoles will need to generate points. FSU failed to score more than a touchdown during its last three losses, managing just 13 points at Stanford, 10 at Clemson and 11 at NC State. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos leads the ACC in yards per attempt (9.0) and the nation in yards per completion (15.5).
About UF (3-8): The Gators look to avoid a five-game losing streak for the second time in three seasons, including 2023. UF had previously suffered two five-game skids (2017, 2013) since 1979. Florida averaged 177 yards during its three wins and just 104.8 in its losses, failing to crack 80 yards three times (LSU, Miami, Texas A&M). The Gators average 276.3 passing yards in wins, but just 182.3 in losses.
Three things to watch
1. Gators’ run defense. Florida has allowed a combined 718 rushing yards the past three games after yielding just 962 through the first eight games. FSU is 10th nationally with an average of 223.4 rushing yards.
2. Explosive pass plays. FSU is tied for third nationally with 37 passes of at least 30 yards, while UF is tied for 129th (of 136 teams) with just 13. Each defense has allowed just 12. FSU’s Duce Robinson has 11 himself, while Micahi Danzy has eight.
3. Turnovers. Florida and FSU have committed 13 of their 17 turnovers during losses. The Seminoles lost the ball nine times during four defeats on the road.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
