Florida Gators (7-5, 4-4) v. Florida State Seminoles (2-10, 1-7) Postgame Analysis

Florida uses five turnovers to end two game skid against the hated Seminoles.

By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com, Football Analyst

Floirda edge rusher Tyreak Sapp

It was senior night at FSU and despite their 2-9 record the Seminoles looked ready to fight the good fight despite a historically troubling season. The Gators took a couple early blows from their rivals, settled in and dominated them for a dominant 31-11 win. The win gives Billy Napier his first seven win season at Florida sets the program up for their first high profile bowl game since 2020. 

What We Thought: Florida would want and need to be the aggressor early and often on defense. True freshman Luke Kromenhoek would be making just his second collegiate start against a Florida defense that was playing its best football the past two weeks. The Gators had recorded 11 sacks the past two contests and were beginning to understand and execute the complex pressures of Ron Roberts and Austin Armstrong's “creeper” defense. This would allow the Florida defense to harass Kromenhoek consistently all night and put him under distress on passing downs. FSU had struggled to run the ball with any consistency all season so there would be increased pressure on the freshman to throw the ball more than he may have liked to.

Offensively, the Gators would attempt to lean on a defensive front that had struggled to stop the run this season giving up almost 180 yards per contest. The three-pronged rushing attack of Montrell Johnson Jr., Jaden Baugh, and Ja’Kobi Jackson would be a major part of the attack as Florida would look to dominate the line of scrimmage early and allow the play action/RPO passing game to be effective.  Add to that the improved mobility if DJ Lagway and the threat of the quarterback run would open more run lanes and keep the FSU defense off balance. 

What We Got: Florida will be the first to admit they did not play their best football in this game. The offense was disconnected at times, leading to a an interception and the defense didn’t always play with great technique and fundamentals. What both units we able to do was capitalize off of the FSU mistakes that kept this game from being closer than it could have been. Florida also was able to take advantage of an FSU offense that fumbled the ball eight times leading to 5 fumble recoveries for the defense. Florida State would also muff a punt that led to a Florida field goal continuing the woes that can come with a 2-10 season. The Florida pass rush was stellar again recording eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Florida used a number of diverse and creative pressures to confuse and harass the FSU offensive line and Kromenhoek into errant throws and the aforementioned sacks. The makeshift Florida secondary continues to prosper through connectivity playing well as a unit and limiting FSU to just 140 yards through the air.

Florida had more of a blue collar day on offense than expected. While Lagway was efficient going 14 of 22 for 133 yards and two touchdowns, the big plays in the passing game that have become his calling card were taken away by the FSU secondary. What Florida was able to do was run the ball to the tune of 235 yards and two touchdowns. Montrell Johnson Jr. continues to return to form rushing for 99 yards on 10 carries including a 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Along with Johnson all three backs averaged over five yards per carry and were effective for the third straight week. While Florida had some communication issues in the passing game Lagway’s mobility and continued improvement in working through his progressions allowed for the future star to throw two touchdowns on the day.

The Skinny: This is a game you always want to win. No matter how great or how ugly the football, a win against your most hated in-state rival is one for the ages. In the big picture, Florida is beginning to win games whether or not the football gods deem it so. Through a solid run game, a great pass rush, efficient, and at times exciting quarterback play. Those ingredients lend itself to a recipe that allows a team to play well no matter where, what, or who it encounters. A 7-5 record at Florida is not necessarily something to admire at first glance but when you pull the layers back the future that seven wins could usher in is bright. Florida will return most of a roster that at times has underachieved but is now finding its footing on both sides of the ball. A win against an overwhelmed FSU squad is part of the process but in doing so the improvements of the second half of the season have been validated. A bowl invite and win could put a different spin on what has for some been a frustrating year. All the motivation that the “organization” needs to have all hands on deck and put a final marker on the 2024 season. Should this team notch an eighth win, complete with consecutive wins against LSU, Ole Miss, and FSU the offseason will bring promise and tons of positive vibes Florida’s way. 365 days of bragging rights against the Noles doesn’t hurt either. 

Final Score: Florida 31 Florida State 11 (Prediction-Florida 28 Florida State 14)