The Sunshine Showdown: Florida State vs. Florida Preview and Prediction

Nov 29, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball past Florida Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) and linebacker Antonio Morrison (3) during the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

The Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles renew their rivalry this Saturday in the Swamp in what promises to be an exciting battle of the Sunshine State.

The No.12-ranked Florida Gators (10-1; 7-1 in SEC) have already locked up the SEC East and have booked a trip to Atlanta for the conference title game.

Before they begin postseason play, though, the Gators must first clash with the No. 13-ranked in-state rival Florida State Seminoles (9-2; 6-2 in ACC) for the regular-season finale in Gainesville.

Coach Jim McElwain’s Gators have won four straight games and still have an outside shot at the College Football Playoff — albeit an unlikely one. Florida would have to beat Florida State at home and hope No. 2 Alabama secures the West (as it should).  This would be so the Gators could dramatically improve their resume with a win over the Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game.

The Seminoles, on the other hand, are out of contention for the Playoff.  They can, however, still earn a higher quality bowl bid with a solid road win over the Gators this weekend in the Swamp.

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RELATED: College Football Playoff: Making the Case for Florida

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Florida State (-2.0)
Coverage: ESPN
Last meeting: Florida State 24, Florida 19
Series: Florida leads, 34-23-2

It’ll be an exciting way to close out the regular season for both programs. The fact that Florida and Florida State are both nationally relevant again adds even more drama to a hate-filled Rivalry Week.

Here’s how these two teams match up this in the Sunshine Showdown.

Next: Florida State Seminoles