Two days after their painful loss at traditional Southeastern Conference doormat Vanderbilt, the Gators returned to the practice field Monday night to prepare for their bitter rivals from Tallahassee.
Florida (6-5) seeks a fourth consecutive win over Florida State (8-3) when the two in-state rivals tangle on Friday night at Doak Campbell Stadium in the first non-Saturday regular-season meeting between the schools since the series started in 1958.
“It’s a rivalry game, a big game for the city of Gainesville, a big game for the University of Florida,” Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson said. “We’ve got to bring it this week.”
The Gators undoubtedly have to bring more than they took to their first loss at Vanderbilt in 34 years if they want to maintain their winning streak over the Seminoles. FSU has won four games in a row and outscored opponents 173-39 during its late-season surge. UF has not played in Tallahassee since 2018 – the 2020 game was canceled due to the revamped COVID-19 schedule.
More than that, it’s a chance to get right six days after a day gone wrong in Nashville.
The mood around the Gators turned glum following the disappointing loss to the Commodores, but they vowed Monday to have a short memory with the Seminoles looming.
“From what I’m feeling from the other players on the team and for the history that I’ve noticed … it’s a big game,” said offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence, the Louisiana transfer prepping for his first Sunshine Showdown. “It’s a big rivalry. So, it’s important that we get this win, and it’s important that we get it leading into next season.”
The matchup presents a formidable challenge for first-year Gators coach Billy Napier. FSU is ranked 16th nationally in total offense (473.7 yards per game) and 11th in total defense (293.4 ypg). FSU quarterback Jordan Travis is completing 65.3 percent of his passes for 2,526 yards, 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Meanwhile, 6-foot-7 receiver Johnny Wilson, a teammate of Gators receiver Ricky Pearsall for the last two seasons at Arizona State, leads the Seminoles with 33 catches, 649 yards and five scores.
Napier has stressed to the Gators that they can’t have another lackluster performance and expect to win. They have to show up on a mission.
“Simply put, a lot of lessons to learn from our experience in Nashville,” Napier said. “The laundry list of things that…
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