Florida-Florida State Breakdown: A Closer Look At Today's Game
Saturday, November 27, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida-Florida State rivalry renews for a 55th edition this afternoon at Doak Campbell Stadium. Which team has the edge?
For the first time in several years, that question is a difficult one to answer. Florida (7-4) has dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning six in a row over the No. 22-ranked Seminoles (8-3). The only Gators winning streak longer in the series was a nine-game streak from 1968 to 1976 – former FSU coach Bobby Bowden's first season.
However, the teams match up more evenly this season, creating the potential for a close game if both teams play well.
Here's a look at some key factors in today's game:
BIG RUNNING PLAYS
In Florida's 37-10 win over the Seminoles a year ago, the Gators reeled off five runs of 20 or more yards. That breakaway ability has eluded Florida for much of this season due to a foot injury to Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey's five-game suspension, and various injuries to Emmanuel Moody and Mike Gillislee.
Florida had a season-high three 20-plus yard runs in last week's win over Appalachian State, but FSU's defense provides a much stiffer test. Meanwhile, the Seminoles rank fourth in the ACC with 183.4 yards rushing per game and feature a similar two-back set that has caused the Gators trouble, specifically in a loss to South Carolina. FSU's three leading rushers – Chris Thompson, Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones – each have runs of 57 yards or longer.
BOWDEN'S ABSENCE
The two teams will play on Bobby Bowden Field, but for the first time in 35 years, Bowden won't be on the Seminoles sideline. Before Gators coach Urban Meyer came along, Bowden was 17-13-1 against Florida.
But Bowden never beat Meyer in five attempts, and shortly after last year's loss, he was replaced by Jimbo Fisher, FSU's offensive coordinator in Bowden's three final seasons.
MEYER IN RIVAL GAMES
Meyer has proven over and over that he is often at his best when the Gators face one of their three traditional rivals: Tennessee, Georgia and FSU.
Meyer is 16-1 against the three schools since taking over at Florida in 2005, his only loss coming in 2007 to Georgia. Since that loss, Meyer has won nine consecutive against Florida's top rivals.
STAR POWER
The Gators have had a clear advantage in talent the past several seasons, led by players like quarterback Tim Tebow, receiver Percy Harvin, linebacker Brandon Spikes and cornerback Joe Haden.
FSU appears to have closed the gap some, and you could argue that the Seminoles will have perhaps the best player on the field today in defensive back/kick returner Greg Reid.
The Gators' most productive player has been strong safety Ahmad Black, who has a team-high 96 tackles, 16 more than FSU leading tackler Nigel Bradham.
On offense, Rainey has provided a much-needed spark since his return, and FSU receiver Bert Reed has become a go-to target.
PASSING THE TEST
Starting quarterbacks John Brantley and Christian Ponder have both endured bumpy seasons. The one who plays best today could be the difference.
Ponder, considered by some a Heisman candidate when the season began, has battled injuries to throw for 1,817 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Brantley, in his first season as UF's starter, has thrown for 1,968 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Brantley has shared snaps with back-up Trey Burton for much of the season, and third-stringer Jordan Reed more recently. Burton has thrown only five passes, but his running ability will likely be a key if the Gators come away with a win today. Burton is second on the team with 322 rushing yards and has a team-high 11 rushing touchdowns.
BATTLE UP FRONT
Florida's offensive line has been a favorite target of critics this season, staring in the opening game when center Mike Pouncey had trouble snapping the ball to Brantley in the shotgun. That issue is resolved, but the Gators' offensive line has other challenges at FSU.
The Seminoles rank second in the nation with 41 sacks, led by defensive ends Brandon Jenkins (10 sacks) and Markus White (7.5). Gator tackles Xavier Nixon, Marcus Gilbert and Maurice Hurt will be tested by the FSU duo.
KICKING GAME
If the game is close at the end, both kickers have come through in the clutch, and both Chas Henry and Dustin Hopkins did it after missing important field goal attempts the previous week.
Henry missed a game-tying field goal attempt in the final seconds of Florida's 10-7 loss to Mississippi State, but the nation's leading punter – Henry has filled in for regular kicker Caleb Sturgis (back injury) since the fifth game – rebounded to kick the game-winner in overtime to beat Georgia.
Meanwhile, Hopkins missed a potential game-winning kick against North Carolina before coming back to next week to kick the game-winner against Clemson.
SCOREBOARD WATCHING
No matter what happens today at Doak Campbell Stadium, FSU will be keeping a close eye on the North Carolina State-Maryland game.
If N.C. State wins, the Wolfpack will represent the ACC's Atlantic Division in the ACC Championship Game next week against Virginia Tech. If the Wolfpack lose, the Seminoles will play in their first ACC title game in five years.
With both games kicking off at the same time, it will be interesting to see how the scoreboard watching plays out.
