SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Jimbo Fisher hadn’t even finished his opening statement following Saturday night’s 45-14 victory at Syracuse before his mind turned toward this week’s game against rival Florida.
The Seminoles, who are 8-3 and have won five of their last six games, will take on an 8-2 Gators squad that has won five of its last six as well. UF upset LSU on Saturday in Baton Rouge, La.
“This is one of the reasons you come to Florida State -- to play the Florida Gators,” Fisher said. “They’re a heck of a football team. I believe they had a great win today (Saturday). So we’re going to be ready to play when they come in. It’s Florida-Florida State. Two really good teams. We’ve got to be ready to rock and roll.”
Florida State has dominated the rivalry since Jimbo Fisher was hired in 2010. The Seminoles have won five of the six meetings, including a 27-2 victory one year ago in Gainesville.
The Gators have enjoyed a slightly better season in 2016, winning the SEC Eastern Division and securing a spot against Alabama in the conference’s championship game.
The Seminoles, who were knocked out of the ACC race by early season losses to Louisville and North Carolina, are not exactly playing the role of spoilers. But they certainly wouldn’t be bothered by sending the Gators into that game on a sour note.
FSU opened as an eight-point favorite in Las Vegas on Sunday. Kickoff at Doak Campbell Stadium is scheduled for 8 p.m.; the game will be broadcast by ABC.
"Very excited," senior defensive end DeMarcus Walker said. "Y'all know how I feel about Florida. Going into this week, I'm very excited."
