Sports Update Tuesday: Gators Pound Rival ‘Noles At Home

This weekend marked the 57th meeting between the Florida State Seminoles and Florida Gators. This latest matchup between the two best college football teams in Florida was an exciting one and was also sprinkled with potential National Championship implications (Until about 11pm that night). Florida State were 8 point favorites at home, but turnovers and the powerful running game of the Florida Gators proved to be the deciding factor as the Gators ended up with the W. Please click below for more information on this year’s “Florida Cup”.

After two unimpressive wins against LA-Lafayette and Jacksonville State, the Florida Gators finally had sophomore QB Jeff Driskel back in the line-up to face the ‘Noles. With a win over Florida State, coupled with a USC loss to Notre Dame, the Gators would have undoubtedly played the winner of the SEC Championship (Alabama vs. Georgia) in the National Championship. Unfortunately, Notre Dame took care of business and it looks as if the Gators’ title shot will have to wait until next year. They will most likely play in one of the other BCS bowls.

Florida State’s senior QB EJ Manuel would like to have this game back. Manuel managed to throw three interceptions against a talented Gators defense. However, his biggest turnover came in the fourth quarter after he fumbled the ball after taking a huge hit. He was visibly shaken up and had to come out of the game for the next Seminoles series. Although, the Seminoles lost arguably their biggest game of the season, at home, when they were heavily favored, they still have a chance to beat Georgia Tech next week and end up in the BCS Orange Bowl representing the ACC Conference.

Game Notes

– Florida leads the series against Florida State, 34-21-2.

– Florida beat Florida State 37-26.

– Turnovers were the key for Florida’s win, grabbing 10 points off of FSU’s turnovers.

– FSU lead the game 20-13 after the three quarters, however Florida scored 24 unanswered points in the fourth. FSU scored a meaningless touchdown on the last play of the game.

(All stats via ESPN)