Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

It’s easy to say that the Florida State Seminoles have had a rough patch of games. It’s also easy to know that FSU continues to face a tough schedule for the rest of 2005. On that list, is tomorrow’s game down in Gainesville, against rival Florida. The Gators have had tough times of their own, under highly-paid first-year coach, Urban Meyer. Meyer’s offense has sputter at times under Chris Leak, who is obviously not as comfortable in the option-type offense UF currently runs, as he was in the pass happy Zook offense.

Do the Seminoles have a chance with the current string of injuries, poor play selection and bad luck? Folks, there is a reason the games aren’t played on paper. By definition, remember, FSU has a 50/50 chance to win tomorrow. They’ll win, or they won’t. It’s as simple as that. The odds are never better, or worse, no matter what everyone thinks. The better question is, should the Seminoles win against the Gators tomorrow?

Both teams come into the contest ranked in the Top 25, but barely. They share identical 7-3 records, that could easily be much worse. They both have had similar season experiences. In fact, if you look at the Gators and ‘Noles, there are more similarities than ever. Both defenses have underachieved, both offenses have looked brilliant at time and awful at others. Both teams have had close calls at home, when opposing teams had no business hanging with them. The Gators and Seminoles, will both be ready to play for pride tomorrow. So who do you pick in a game like this?

Every fans knows the strengths and weaknesses, and why their respective team will win or lose the game. There is a chance that the Seminoles win tomorrow if the defense plays well. The Gators must hope that Urban Meyer can put his ego aside for one game (unlike Spurrier in the Choke at Doak), and let Chris Leak tear apart a depleted and young FSU secondary. The FSU offense might take a page from the old New York Giants playbook and run the ball all day, if they have enough healthy lineman. The Gators know better than that, and will use the “Thank You Virginia for introducing FSU opponents to the rush 3 and drop 8 Theory” when FSU plays as its Playstation all-star offense.

With the Seminoles back-dooring into ACC Championship Game and this game being meaninglessly other than bragging rights, and Urban Meyer needing a victory in this game to help UF alums understand why they paid so much for a Mountain West offense, expect UF to play to their potential tomorrow. A loud crowd in the Swamp, combined with FSU injuries, and overall inept play-calling by FSU will give the Gators a solid victory over struggling FSU.

Unless of course, Urban pulls a Steve, and won’t stop doing what doesn’t work.

Final Score Prediction: Florida 34 Florida State 16