Florida Football: 4 bold predictions vs. Florida State in Week 13

The annual rivalry game is upon us as Florida football is facing off against Florida State in The Swamp. The Gators are coming off a devastating loss to Missouri in overtime and a whirlwind of a week as Mullen was relieved of head coaching duties on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Seminoles are coming off a win against Boston College and looking to become bowl eligible with a win this week.

This is a game that is exciting only for the fanbases involved, could be fun and entertaining, or could be ugly and difficult to watch.

All possibilities are on the table in this one. Here are some bold predictions to shake things up.

4. Dameon Pierce will get more than 10 touches in this game

I’ll make a bold prediction and say that Dameon Pierce will get more than 10 touches in this game. Florida’s running game has been a bit of a mess this year, and that is something that the Noles have been relatively good at stopping. I don’t know if there’s a way for Florida to run the ball consistently well against FSU, but I do think it will be a more balanced attack. I think Florida will try to get the ball in the hands of their best offensive weapon on a more consistent basis.

I don’t think it will be enough for Florida to win this game, but I do think it will allow them to keep it closer than they would have been able to otherwise.

I think the coaching staff will make some adjustments to change up how the Gators run the ball and get Pierce more involved.

3. Jordan Travis will throw for more than 300 passing yards

Jordan Travis threw for 251 yards against Boston College, but he needs to do more than that to have a successful game this week against the Gators. When playing together, like last week, the defense does exceptionally well. However, with all the distractions going on in Gainesville, Travis will take advantage of the opportunity and throw for more than 300 passing yards in this one. This will be a difference-maker in this game.

2. Dan Mullen’s firing will be a distraction for Florida

The Florida Gators are coming off a whirlwind week. Mullen was relieved of his duties as head coach after a loss to Missouri in overtime. It has been a difficult week for the players and emotions are running high. Interim head coach, Greg Knox, will have his work cut out for him with the FSU game this weekend. It is important because it is the annual rivalry game and the stakes are high for both teams. Both Florida and Florida State are playing for bowl eligibility.

The Gators will be distracted by Mullen’s firing and could potentially be emotionally drained after a tough game against Missouri. Florida State will come into The Swamp with the sense of urgency to win to become bowl eligible and give Florida another loss.

1. Florida State will win the game

I know this is bold, but I really think Florida State will pull out a victory on Saturday. Of course, I can’t say for sure who will win this game, but I’m going to go with the Seminoles. The Gators are coming off a tough loss to Missouri and Mullen was just fired. They’re in a tough place. Meanwhile, the Seminoles are coming off an exciting win against Boston College and are looking to become bowl eligible with a win.

Final Score: Florida State 34, Florida 31

The game kicks off at noon EST on Saturday in the Swamp on ESPN.