Both Florida and Florida State celebrated victories last Saturday, setting the stage for their much-anticipated matchup in Tallahassee next week as the 2024 college football season comes to a close.
Florida State, which had been struggling with a six-game losing streak, found much-needed relief with a decisive 41-7 victory over FCS team Charleston Southern. Freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek made a strong impression in his starting debut, throwing for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Remarkably, FSU scored nearly the same number of points in this game as they had in their previous four matches combined.
On the other hand, the Florida Gators achieved a significant upset by defeating No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway’s performance stood out, as he threw two touchdown passes, while Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart struggled with two interceptions despite his two touchdowns. Additionally, Montrell Johnson rushed for an impressive 107 yards and a touchdown, contributing to Head Coach Billy Napier’s achievement of bowl eligibility, while Ole Miss’s chances for the College Football Playoff fade.
As both teams prepare for their rivalry showdown, history shows that the Gators have a slight edge with a 36-27-2 advantage in the series dating back to 1958. However, the Seminoles have claimed victory in their last two encounters, including last year’s win that helped solidify an undefeated regular season. While the stakes may not be as high this time, the rivalry always carries significant bragging rights.
The highly anticipated game is set for Saturday, November 30, with kickoff at either 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. It will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, with streaming available on ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Overall, both teams are riding a wave of momentum heading into this fierce rivalry battle, making it an exciting prospect for fans. As they clash on the field, the game promises to be a showcase of talent and rivalry that fans of both sides won’t want to miss.
This matchup is a reminder of the competitive spirit that defines college football, where every game is an opportunity for teams to prove their worth on the national stage.