Both Florida and Florida State University celebrated victories this past Saturday, building anticipation for their upcoming clash in Tallahassee.
Florida State University (FSU) was in dire need of a win after a six-game losing streak, marking its most challenging season since the era before legendary coach Bobby Bowden. The Seminoles rebounded decisively against FCS opponent Charleston Southern, with a final score of 41-7. Freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek made a strong debut, passing for 209 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing an impressive performance that outmatched FSU’s previous four games in terms of scoring.
Meanwhile, the University of Florida (UF) pulled off a notable upset by defeating No. 9 Ole Miss with a score of 24-17 at home in The Swamp. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway shone with two touchdown passes, while Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart struggled, conceding two interceptions. Running back Montrell Johnson contributed significantly, rushing for 107 yards and a touchdown, securing bowl eligibility for head coach Billy Napier, while casting doubt on Lane Kiffin’s hopes for the College Football Playoff.
As the stage is set for the highly anticipated showdown, UF leads the historical series with a 36-27-2 record dating back to 1958. However, FSU has emerged victorious in their last two matchups, including a noteworthy win last season where Tate Rodemaker stepped in for an injured Jordan Travis to secure a 24-15 victory, closing out an undefeated regular season for the Seminoles. While the stakes may be lower this year, the rivalry’s intensity and significance remain high.
The upcoming match is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, with kickoff set for either 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET at Doak Campbell Stadium. Fans can watch the game nationally on ESPN2, with streaming options available via ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
The revival of both teams signifies a promising future for Florida college football, filled with passionate competition and fan support. With their recent successes, both teams seem poised for a fierce battle, making this rivalry game one not to miss.
Summary: Florida State University snapped its losing streak with a decisive win over Charleston Southern, while the University of Florida upset No. 9 Ole Miss. Both teams are now set to face off in their annual rivalry game on November 30, 2024, with FSU looking to maintain its momentum and UF seeking to extend its winning streak.