Both the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles celebrated significant victories over the weekend, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup in Tallahassee next week to wrap up the 2024 college football season.
Florida State needed a victory after suffering through a six-game losing streak, the roughest time the program has experienced since the days before Bobby Bowden’s era. The Seminoles bounced back emphatically, defeating Charleston Southern, an FCS adversary, with a commanding score of 41-7. Freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek made his debut start and excelled, throwing for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, the amount of points scored in this game nearly matched the team’s total over their previous four games combined.
Meanwhile, the Florida Gators pulled off an impressive upset against No. 9 Ole Miss, winning 24-17 at their home ground, known as The Swamp. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway showcased his talent, throwing two touchdown passes while Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss countered with two touchdowns but was hampered by two interceptions. Montrell Johnson also had a standout game, rushing for 107 yards and scoring once. These victories helped secure bowl eligibility for head coach Billy Napier’s squad, while Ole Miss, led by Lane Kiffin, saw their College Football Playoff hopes diminish.
Looking ahead, the excitement builds as these historic rivals prepare to clash. Historically, Florida holds the upper hand with a 36-27-2 record in their series dating back to 1958. However, in recent times, FSU has emerged victorious in their last two encounters. Last season, Tate Rodemaker stepped in admirably for the injured Jordan Travis, contributing to a 24-15 win that also marked an undefeated regular season for the Seminoles. While the stakes may not be as high this year, the competition for bragging rights is fiercely alive.
The Florida State vs. Florida game is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, at either 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET, taking place at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Fans can catch the action on ESPN2, with streaming options available on ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
As both teams look to finish the season strong, the outcome of this rivalry game will undoubtedly add another memorable chapter to their storied history.
In summary, both teams have demonstrated resilience and showcased young talent, setting up what promises to be an electric finale to the season. Fans can look forward to an exciting battle on the field, highlighting the rich tradition of college football in Florida.