Ahead of their rivalry game against Florida football, it’s time to release our Week 13 Florida State football predictions.
THE now #5 Florida State football The team will face Florida this weekend in the annual rivalry game. But a game that most players probably weren’t thinking about a week ago has changed due to overwhelming circumstances both teams now face in the final game of the regular season.
The Seminoles and Gators enter this weekend’s game without their starting quarterbacks due to injuries. Jordan Travis suffered a gruesome leg injury against North Alabama, while Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz suffered a broken collarbone during the Gators’ loss to Missouri last weekend, according to ESPN.
These circumstances have now made this game one that could potentially be a lot closer now, leaving tons of question marks. Florida State’s Travis’ injury was significant enough that it was one of the reasons the College Football Playoff committee knocked the Seminoles out of the top 4. Could it be significant enough to cost them again more expensive with still a chance to qualify for the playoffs? Or will the Gators get their sixth win and win a bowl game? Let’s move on to some bold Florida State vs. Florida football predictions.
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Tate Rodemaker wins backup QB battle against Max Brown
With Jordan Travis made for the seasonIt is to Tate Rodemaker to fill the quarterback void for the Seminoles football team. He played four years behind Travis, throwing seven touchdowns and five interceptions. Meanwhile, the Gators’ true freshman quarterback Max Brown has just 12 pass attempts to his name.
This will obviously be the game to watch on Saturday, but the better and more experienced quarterback will have the advantage, namely Rodemaker. It was against North Alabama, but Rodemaker was able to throw two touchdown passes in last week’s game after Travis went down. He’ll throw at least one against Florida and somewhere close to 200 yards.
Florida State relies on the running game and runs for over 200 yards
If quarterback play is the problem and Mike Norvell needs to play a conservative role with Rodemaker, then he need look no further than how Florida has handled the run all year. The Gators defense allows 161.5 rushing yards in a game, which is 87th best in the country. The Seminoles are 62nd in the country with almost 162.3 yards passing per game.
Florida State football hasn’t been very good in terms of running the ball this season, but as the season has progressed, they have made some progress in that area. With Florida being vulnerable in this area as a defense, expect Florida State to take advantage and have one of their best games on the ball this season.
Florida football takes the lead in the fourth quarter
Look for the Gators to find ways to score in this game, whether it’s the Seminoles’ turnovers or even Max Brown making a play with his legs. The Gators take the lead early in the fourth quarter.
Florida State football beats Florida on late field goal
This is going to be a tough matchup to really decide, but both teams have something at stake in this matchup. Certainly, Florida State has a lot more to play for in the College Football Playoff than Florida does in hosting a lower-tier bowl game. Still, Napier and the Gators need this win, and the fact that it’s a rivalry game adds to its intensity, meaning Florida could play some inspired football. But Florida State would ultimately find a way to get down the field, scoring a late field goal to emerge from The Swamp with a victory and keep its playoff hopes alive.
