How College GameDay views Florida’s chances vs. Florida State
With most of the attention centered on Florida’s coaching search and Lane Kiffin expected to land elsewhere, the Florida Gators will still try to close out the regular season with some momentum on the field Saturday. Tulane’s Jon Sumrall has quickly emerged as the coach to watch, but for at least one afternoon, Florida gets a chance to end Florida State’s season and keep its rival home for the holidays.
The Gators return to the Swamp for the Sunshine Showdown in a matchup that looks much different than usual. Both teams enter with losing records for the first time since 2021, but Florida State’s road struggles have been glaring.
The Seminoles haven’t won a true road game in more than two years, dropping eight straight away from Tallahassee since their last road win, which came in Gainesville in 2023. Florida, meanwhile, is trying to end its four-game skid and send the fans into the offseason with at least one final bright spot.
Here’s how the College GameDay crew sees the rivalry matchup playing out.
Florida Gators Coaching Hot Board: The final 4?
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College GameDay Picks for Florida vs. Florida State
Desmond Howard: Florida
Nick Saban: Florida
Pat McAfee: Florida State
Aidan Hutchinson: Florida
Kirk Herbstreit: Florida State
The majority of the panel is siding with the Gators at home, expecting Florida State’s road issues to continue despite the Seminoles outgaining every road opponent they have faced.
Top 10
- 1New
Pavia Heisman hopes
Clark Lea makes case
- 2Hot
Booger McFarland
Offers advice on Lane Kiffin
- 3
Guarding the M
Michigan players stay on field
- 4Trending
Michigan headbutt
Refs defend no ejection
- 5
Mark Stoops
UK coach emphatic on future
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Florida has its own inconsistencies, but this rivalry tends to bring out some fight and the Swamp has a way of shifting momentum.
Kickoff between Florida and Florida State is set for 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
Talk about it with our premium members in the Swamp Talk message board, here.
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