Executive Summary
- Florida State (5-6) must defeat Florida (3-8) to achieve the six wins necessary for bowl eligibility.
- The Florida Gators defense has allowed over 230 rushing yards in each of their last three games.
- FSU Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn cited injuries as the cause for using a "running back by committee" approach.
- The Seminoles have struggled to maintain offensive consistency during road games this season.
Florida State University heads to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday for its regular-season finale against the University of Florida, with the Seminoles requiring a victory to secure bowl eligibility. The matchup places a 5-6 Florida State squad against a 3-8 Gators team in a rivalry contest defined by recent defensive vulnerabilities and offensive roster adjustments.
Statistical analysis indicates that the Florida Gators have demonstrated susceptibility to the run in the final stretch of the season, yielding between 233 and 247 rushing yards in their last three games. Opponents have averaged a minimum of 4.86 yards per carry during this span. Conversely, Florida State ranks in the Top 25 nationally for rushing, averaging 5.24 yards per carry, although the team has faced challenges maintaining this efficiency during road games where they average 4.5 yards per carry.
Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn addressed the fluctuating lineup in the Seminoles’ backfield, attributing the "running back by committee" approach to accumulated injuries. "You look at my history — I’ve always had one or two guys," Malzahn stated. "But we’ve had some injuries… So it’s been running back by committee. I haven’t had that much in my career, but that’s where we’re at." Malzahn noted that running back Gavin Sawchuk has been the most consistent performer recently, while Roydell Williams is returning to health.
Head Coach Mike Norvell discussed the utilization of the running back rotation, specifically regarding the balance between freshman talent and veteran experience. Norvell emphasized that playing time is earned through practice performance and situational strategy. "There’s certain things where we want to put our guys in the best position to be successful," Norvell said, noting that defensive schemes often dictate opportunities for specific players. The Seminoles have fielded four different leading rushers throughout the season due to these variable factors.
Strategic Outlook
The outcome of Saturday’s game holds significant weight for Florida State’s postseason aspirations. Failing to secure a sixth win would end the Seminoles’ season without a bowl appearance, underscoring the critical nature of offensive consistency in a hostile road environment. While analysts have noted Florida’s defensive struggles against the run, Florida State’s inability to establish a dominant rhythm away from home remains a primary strategic concern for the coaching staff entering this pivotal rivalry matchup.
