Can FSU end the season with a win against UF

Florida State football hosts Florida under the lights at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night.

The Seminoles’ disastrous season saw the team fall to 2-9 before the showdown with the Gators (6-5). FSU won its second game of the season with a 41-7 victory over Charleston Southern last time out, with quarterback Luke Kromenhoek getting his first start of his college career.

Kromenhoek will once again be at center as the true freshman is the expected starter for the rivalry showdown against Florida. The Gators will also have a true freshman in DJ Lagway, with both young quarterbacks representing the future of both programs.

It’s a game that needs no introduction, and the Gators hold the all-time record 27-36-2. FSU has won seven of the last 10 games, including two in a row.

Can the Seminoles knock out the Gators in the final game of the season? Or will Florida win three in a row to end the year?

Here are the picks from Tallahassee FSU Democratic writers Liam Rooney and Peter Holland Jr.

Liam Rooney Score Prediction: UF 31, FSU 17

The Seminoles’ disastrous season ended with a loss to bitter rival Florida.

Kromenhoek will play well and throw two touchdowns. However, the Seminoles’ inability to slow down the run will give the Gators a string of late scores in the fourth quarter. Lagway will connect on a few shots downfield, but for the most part, the FSU secondary will do a good job of making success through the air difficult for the freshman.

FSU would keep things close throughout the first half, but the Gators’ second-half ground attack would overwhelm a tired Seminoles defense.

FSU finishes the season 2-10.

Peter Holland Jr Score Prediction: Florida 23, FSU 15

FSU will try to make this an ugly but compelling game at Doak Campbell Stadium. It’s also possible that it depends on how the Seminoles look in the second half.

For the Seminoles to win, they must win the possession battle, which has been the weak point of the offense. On the other hand, the defense needs to win physically and match up against freshman quarterback DJ Lagway.

Lagway is a phenomenal athlete who can extend his workouts and use his mobility to his advantage. The defense will struggle to contain the freshman.

Luke Kromenhoek will need to get rid of football quickly and not suffer unnecessary layoffs.

FSU will play close and tie the game; the problem is maintaining training and taking advantage of the scoring opportunities presented in front of them. Running the football helps too, but given the way the season has gone for the Seminoles, that will feel like a big ask.

How to watch FSU vs. Florida

Date: Saturday November 30
Time: 7 p.m.
Or: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee
TV: ESPN2

FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times

Saturday August 24: against Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) lost 24-21
Monday September 2: against Boston College* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) lost 28-13
Saturday September 7: Bye
Saturday September 14: against Memphis | Noon | ESPN (Fubo) lost 20-12
Saturday September 21: against Cal* | 7 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo) Won 14-9
Saturday September 28: at n°12 SMU* | 8 p.m. EST | ACC Network lost 42-16
Saturday October 5: against No. 16 Clemson* | 7 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) lost 29-13
Saturday October 12: Bye
Friday October 18: at Duke* | 7 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo) lost 23-16
Saturday October 26: at No. 10 Miami* | 7 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) lost 36-14
Saturday November 2: vs. North Carolina* | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) lost 35-11
Saturday November 9: at No. 6 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock) lost 52-3
Saturday November 16: Bye
Saturday November 23: vs. Charleston South | 1:30 p.m. |ACC Extra/ESPN+ Won 41-7
Saturday November 30: against Florida

All times Eastern

* = ACC

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him by email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @__liamrooney