Florida State opens as slight two-point favorites over Florida

For the first time ever, the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles will play their rivalry matchup on Black Friday. The Saturday after Thanksgiving has been the traditional date for the Sunshine Showdown, there will be a different twist on this year’s game.

With the game taking place in Tallahassee, Florida State has opened as slight two-point favorites over their in-state rivals according to VegasInsider. Head coach Mike Norvell will be the favorite for the first time in just his second every rivalry game against Florida. A huge task is ahead as Norvell looks to cap off a successful season.

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Florida State will be coming in off a nonconference win against Louisiana, marking three in a row. Currently at 8-3, if the Seminoles win against Florida, it would be the program’s first nine-win season since Jimbo Fisher was in charge in 2016. A potential bowl win could make matters even better, getting to double-digit territory.

As for Florida, they found themselves on the losing end of a conference showdown vs. Vanderbilt. However, a win streak in the series is currently on the line, having three consecutive to their name at the moment. Head coach Billy Napier will be getting his first taste of the rivalry and will do so in a difficult road environment.

Florida has only won one of their three road games to this point of the season, while Florida State is 4-2 at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Getting a home game definitely helps the Seminoles when it comes to the betting line.

College football will have a fun slate of games on Black Friday but none might be better than the primetime showdown. A late November in-state showdown might be the best thing about the sport, no matter the location. Getting Florida-Florida State will make the occasion even better.