“One of the great rivalries in college football,” said Fisher. “Very blessed to be a part of that rivalry here at Florida State. Got a heck of a challenge going down there to play. It’s always an extremely tough place to play, one of the toughest in the country.”
Going down to a tough environment is the least of the Seminoles problems as Florida boast one of the toughest defensive fronts in the country.
“You’ve got to block them up front,” Fisher said. “I mean, all those guys are big, physical guys, their ‘backers play downhill very quickly, and they bunch the box. We’ll have our hands full. Our back is going to have to break tackles and run through arm tackles and play physical on their safeties, which they bring them down quickly in the box.”
With the ever-changing Florida State offensive line, some due to injury, the ‘Noles will rely on the bruising running style of Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick. The dynamic backs must make due with the opportunities presented. That means find the seam and exploit it off rip, no dancing, just one cut and get downhill.
Quarterback James Blackman, coming off a three-touchdown performance against Delaware State which saw the freshman complete 11 of 15 pass attempts, must carry that kind of efficiency over to “The Swamp” where the pressure can feel insurmountable.
From Belleview to Tallahassee you’re either one of two things a Seminole or a Gator (no disrespect to the Hurricanes) there’s no straddling the fence. This is a rivalry like no other it can get physical and nasty. It’s like hiding your to-go plate and finding out someone has taken it unbeknownst to you.
Matthew Thomas, Josh Sweat and Derwin James lead a Seminole defense that hasn’t played up to the high standard that it set for itself, but none of that matters now. This game doesn’t care about points per game or redzone efficiency. This game is about giving it your all and trying to demoralize the man in front of you.
My cousin has two snakes named Albert and Alberta, he feeds them mice, and every mice fed to the snakes he names Renegade, that’s how deep seeded the hate is in this rivalry.
Both teams come into the contest sporting underwhelming 4-6 records and are looking for respect. Both are playing for pride. Both teams have spoiled their fan bases, fan bases that are used to success, fan bases that are used to this game determining bowl positioning. Now each team is just hoping for a bowl game.
“Both teams are extremely used to success. Always have been, always will be, and will be in the future.” Said Fisher. “That’s why it’s one of the great rivalries – because there’s true meaning in the outcome of the game.”
The outcome will be determined Saturday 11/25 as kickoff is set for 12pm EST in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
