By Jonathan Loesche - aka PaxonGator

In the last two years, this rivalry has been decided by a combined 11 points. In each of the last two years, this game came down to the final play. I could go on and on. We have seen our share of great moments in the rivalry, the Choke at Doak in 94, the “Great game ever at the Swamp” in 97, the two Sugar Bowl rematches. However, these two games have something else about them. In these two games, both teams were out of the national championship chase, playing for 2nd in the state behind Miami, nothing like what had happened for a good 10 years or more. It was for the most simple thing in all of sports. Pride.’,'Embattled Chris Rix saved his Junior year with a masterful performance against the Gators in 2003, and came off the bench to attempt a comeback on Senior Day. Ciatrick Fason rushing for 104 yards against the nations top run defense, scoring the game clinching touchdown with a little less than five minutes to play giving the Gators their first win in Tallahassee since 1986. Chris Leak with amazing performances in both games, to say the least. Rix to Sam, Fason from 8 yards out, Leak to Troupe, Rix to Stoval, so many memories for both fans, Gators and Noles.

Both fans have had been heartbroken(UF with the “Swindle in the Swamp”, FSU losing on the night Bobby Bowden Field was dedicated) but saw their teams compete so that they could still hang their heads high. When is all said and done, and we have had the proper time to review this, the fans will put these games in the same annals as 91, 93, 94, and 97.

By Bill Kristoph

Hooray! I mean HOO-freakin-Ray! Seriously, I am excited and it is only Wednesday morning at the time of this writing. It is that special time of the year, when the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles renew their football rivalry. In the State of Florida, this is, perhaps, the biggest rivalry of them all. Sure, the University of Miami would lay claim that they are not only a better team, but a better rival for both the Seminoles and Gators. Those ‘Canes can continue to live in la-la land. Based on sheer numbers of alumni, UF / FSU was, is and always will be THE rivalry in Florida, if not the entire college football nation.’,'It was not so long ago that the annual rivalry featured two teams that were both ranked in the top 10 (and many times top 5). Over the past couple of years though, both schools have seen their ups and downs, with the University of Florida seeing its toughest three-year span in years. The Gators are quick to blame Ron Zook for their troubles, however, this ‘Nole believes that the Gator Nation needs to scratch a little deeper and look to athletic director Jeremy Foley as the root of their problems. The again, as Zook stated, “I have the best quarterback in the SEC and I’m not winning like I should.” But I digress…

The Florida State Seminoles have remained higher overall in the polls over the same period (which, depending on the school you talk to is either post-Spurrier or Rix, A.D.), but they have also seen their share of struggles. This season was going to feature a calmer, cooler under fire Rix who would break most school records. Kirk Herbstreit even went as far as naming Rix to his Heisman watch list, but another loss to Miami, lackluster play and an ankle injury, has both prevented Rix from attaining those records and led the Seminoles to their current #1 quarterback, Tallahassee’s own Wyatt Sexton. While most fans on both sides of the ball will think that QB is the big story (and it is big), the biggest story for the Seminoles is kicker Gary Cismesia, who is 6-6 in his first two games. Had Cismesia been playing from the start of the season, the ‘Noles would likely be undefeated heading into Saturday’s contest.

The keys to a Gator victory:
FSU fans do not want to admit that Chris Leak makes them shake in their boots. The Florida QB needs to have a stellar performance against the Seminoles, if the Gators have any chance to win this game. Traditional thought with this game is that the Gators will have to out-rush FSU. This year, I disagree. The Gators need to rush enough to keep the ‘Noles honest, but with the Seminole defense only giving up 1.8 yards per carry, the mighty Gators should not plan on having a 100 yard rusher on Saturday night. Look for O.J. Small and Andre Caldwell to have big nights if the Gators do well.

The Gator defense must find a way to stop the Leon Washington / Lorenzo Booker tandem. When the Seminole offense has played well this year, it has been because opposing defenses have had to respect the running game. The Gators need to put 8 or 9 guys in the box, and at the very least make FSU think that they are leaving them there. Coach Ron Zook is known as a defensive specialist, and although his Florida Gators have not played well at times this year, expect them to have a solid defensive gameplan for FSU.

It is also important to remember the intangibles with UF. This is Head Coach Ron Zook’s final regular season game with his players. He is a players’ coach, and judging from the player interviews after Athletic Director Jeremy Foley announced Zook’s firing, the Gators are going to have the “win one for the gipper” mentality Saturday night. That attitude brought them a 48-14 whipping of the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 13. Look for Florida to play with emotion and attitude, try a couple of trick plays and, in general, play loose and have fun. That is always a big step toward victory.

The keys to a Seminole victory:
Offense, offense, offense. Can the Seminoles find an identity on offense? Oddly enough, the Seminoles are a RUNNING team, and offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden should remember that. They need to run the ball effectively against the Gators, in order to win the game. This means that the offensive line had better play well and that the ‘Noles cannot broadcast a 3rd and 17 reverse or draw. Also, the Seminoles need to run the ball on first down at least 50% of the time. The offense can roll if Wyatt Sexton is not constantly put in 2nd and long, where an opposing defense can pin back their ears and blitz and batter him. If the running game is established in the first half, the Seminoles will have a deadly play-action attack in the second half. Successful first down play-action can lead to big points on the scoreboard. Also, the Seminole wide receivers need to step up and catch some of those passes!

The bright spot for most of the year has been the FSU defense. As Chris Fowler so elegantly stated, “FSU has a National Championship defense and a Pop Warner offense.” Can anyone imagine this defense paired with a Chris Weinke or Charley Ward offense? FSU would win games by 40. Sadly, that is not the case, but the FSU defense has kept the ‘Noles in every game this year, giving them a chance to win. Look for a surprisingly great defensive line to pressure Chris Leak and stuff the run, and watch for #34 Ernie Sims to be his typical self; an animal.

Some good news for the Seminoles is that freshman kicker Gary Cismesia is making kicks from all over the field. Just remember Gary, “Keep your head down, keep your head down, keep your head down.” If Coach Bobby Bowden wanted to surprise the Gators, he would let Cismesia kickoff this weekend. It might be a key to winning the field position battle.

Prediction:
Rivalry games are always fun and exciting. Although the Gators appear to be having a down year, they will play extremely well on Saturday night. The Seminoles will have the best and loudest crowd of the year behind them. Expect a field position battle, and a bit of a defensive struggle. ESPN is in for a treat, and College Gameday will be sorry that they went to Utah / BYU instead of visiting Tallahassee, when they miss a Seminole victory 24-21 on a Gary Cismesia game winning field goal.

By Bill Kristoph

Some interesting facts about UF / FSU you might not realize (courtesy of both school’s press releases):There have been six different Gator head coaches during Bobby Bowden’s tenure at Florida State.

A Seminole victory at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium the previous year points to a Seminole victory at home the next. The ‘Noles are 5-1-1 at home following a victory in Gainesville.

Saturday’s contest will be the 1,000 game for the Gators. The first in Florida and last in the SEC to do so.

In 1981-82 Seminole Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews was a Gator defensive backs coach.

The last Seminole Quarterback to throw for over 300 yards vs. the Gators was Danny Kannell, in 1994.

The game will feature 138 players from the State of Florida. 73 Gators and 65 ‘Noles.

The Seminoles and Gators are the ONLY teams in the nation to appear in January bowl games for each of the last 11 seasons.

By Noleman13 (The only ghostwriter NoleCC will ever allow haha)

For those of you who really know me, you know what you are about to read pains me somewhat (Hey, after all, I am the guy that started the “Chris Rix Evicted” fiasco). However, it needs to be said and I will stand up and be the one to do so. Saturday is Senior Day and I will not boo Chris Rix when his name is announced… and I can only hope the rest of Seminole Land will do the same.’,'Forget all the loses during his tenure. Forget the bonehead plays. Forget the general lack of improvement (non-coaching aided or not). Forget the idiot that he has been off the field. Step out of the negative shadow that seems to follow him and bask in the sunshine that he has brought to THE Florida State University.

What sunshine? Well, he has “won” 25 or 26 games in his career. He has beaten Florida twice and won a bowl game. Until injury and a minor coaching-decision-miracle to bench him, he was sitting on the edge of holding almost every major record at FSU. Physically, he never took a play off, selling out his body at every opportunity.

Most importantly, he grew up wanting to be a Seminole, wanting to play for Bobby Bowden. He MADE his dream come true and he has been true to the Noles in all the areas that nobody ever shows. Everytime the university needs him to promote the cause, he is there, in full garnet and gold. When he goes on his personal missions of faith, he is in garnet and gold. And he very, very, very slow to be critical of the university, the coaches and THE FANS.

Look, I know that when he does all the bad things, yes, he is usually in full garnet and gold. However, as a real Nole fan (for over 30 years), I have to see the good done while in the garnet and gold…and be thankful for that ray of sunshine.

I am not asking you to cheer for Chris Rix when his name is announced on Senior Day…just do not boo him. If the entire stadium held up newspapers when he is announced, a la Duke in basketball, that is better than booing.

Just be a real Seminole fan for one day. Go Noles!

By Bill Kristoph

N.C. State Wolfpack Head Coach Chuck Amato has FSU’s number. This is a statement than many analysts have made over the last couple of seasons. However, I respectfully disagree with them. Phillip Rivers had FSU’s number, not Chuck. Granted, ACC opponents may not fear the Seminoles as much as they used to, but there is no reason to believe that a mediocre N.C. State is going to beat the ‘Noles. It is believable that the ‘Noles will play down to N.C. State, though, and combined with the home field, it gives N.C. State a legitimate shot to beat FSU.’,'For the Seminoles, it is imperative that the offense starts strong and takes the rabid Wolfpack fan-base out of the game early. They have not been able to do that on a road game yet this season, maybe they will now. Wyatt Sexton will have to show the same fire that he had last Saturday when the Seminoles took the field for the first time in the second half. Leon Washington will need a solid game, and that should lead to some holes opening up for Lorenzo Booker, who has struggled at times without his counterpart. Also, look for the tight end to be open, as they have been for the past couple of games. Let’s just hope that they catch the ball, when they are given the opportunity.

Give Chuck Amato credit. He will give the Seminole defense some fits. He has already shuffled around players to maximize their potential. (N.C. State’s offensive line has been shuffled quite a bit due to injury.) Expect to see the redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus Stone if his knee is healthy enough. (I suspect it will for a big game against the ‘Noles.) And there will be some wonderfully crafted schemes to watch on television. Oh, how I hate watching the 4 yard passes dink and dunk the ‘Noles all game. The Wolfpack defense is solid, and Chuck will handle Jeff Bowden’s mediocre play-calling, but it shouldn’t keep the ‘Noles at bay for the entire game.

On special teams, FSU has found Gary Cismesia (who tied a school record last week by going 5/5 on field goals), which means they at least have a clean slate at kicker. If the game is close there will be hope for a Seminole victory. Wyatt Sexton is overdue for a solid road-game performance, and Leon Washington makes his return for the Seminoles. This one is close through 3 ½ quarters, but not close enough for the Wolfpack. Sexton throws a late TD to ice the game. FSU 31, N.C. State 20.

Happy Veteran’s Day! Go ‘Noles, and check this one out on ESPN at 7:45 Thursday night! It will be a good one!

By Bill Kristoph

First, a quick review of last weekend when the Duke University Blue Devils visited town. I am thoroughly impressed with the Blue Devils, even though the final score favored FSU 29-7. Duke showed enthusiasm, pride and they played a tough first half. In the end, they were beaten by FSU’s superior depth and talent, but they have a reason to hold their heads up high. Look for that program to continue to improve next year.

Also, in regards to last weekend, it’s time to thank the football gods for Gary Cismesia. Five attempts and five field goals is perfect. Folks, you can’t beat perfect. Why on earth wasn’t this kid put into the games weeks ago? Perhaps the single thing that most impressed me about Cismesia, was the kickoff he did at the end of the game. He hung the ball up so high in the air, it was more like a punt and gave the coverage team a ton of time to get down the field. The Duke player that caught the ball looked panicked when he realized that he HAD to run it, since he was on the 1 yard line. If Cismesia can do that every time, you can forget about touchbacks, FSU will have opponents inside the 10!

Also, great performance by the defense yet again. I have read that they “called out” the offense after the first half, when the Seminoles only lead 9-7. As Bobby Bowden says, “Peer Pressure is the best pressure.” Evidently, it worked.

Shorts from Saturday:
Congrats to Wyatt Sexton. He showed more maturity on Saturday than I could have expected. He handled a demotion well, and when he was given an opportunity to shine again, he made the most of it. Have you ever heard a bigger cheer that the one the alumni side of the stadium gave Wyatt when they realized that he was starting the second half?

Where was Lamar Lewis in the Wake Forest game? Hello!? The kid looks a whole lot like Leon Washington!

To the guy that had the “Fire Jeff” sign in the stand… that was good stuff. I know that you have had to defend yourself in other places, but keep your chin up. I’ve found that many of the people that are going to criticize you, wouldn’t be able to take that same criticizm. There will always be two camps out whether that is “politically correct,” but my theory has always been, if you can’t take the criticism of the position, then you don’t have the stomach to have that job.

Perhaps we should extend that attitude to regular jobs… it might make the day more interesting. “Zack the programmer must go!!! Zack must go!!!