Florida State-Florida: Nine Ways for the 'Noles to Hang With the Gators

Step 3: Front-Four Pressure

Florida State isn't going to slow down Florida trying to blitz multiple linebackers or defensive backs all afternoon, because if you give players like Percy Harvin, Louis Murphy, and Chris Rainey man coverage, they are going to beat it.

Could Florida State get pressure doing so? Sure. But Tebow would convert more big plays against such looks than the blitzes themselves would make for the 'Noles.

The key will be the front four's ability to create pressure. Everette Brown and Markus White will need to become well acquainted with the UF backfield. If they are able to hassle and pressure Tebow in passing situations, which would allow FSU's secondary to remain in more favorable packages for coverage, the 'Noles will have a puncher's chance to create some big plays defensively and stay in the game.

However, if they are forced to blitz often to create any pressure, it could be a long day of more explosive Gator plays.

Step 4: Turnover Margin

Annually the top teams in the country have an extremely favorable turnover margin, and on Saturday, if Florida State's is negative, they probably will be another victim of the high-powered Gators.

The Gators defense, led by linebacker Brandon Spikes, has been very active forcing turnovers during their incredible run of seven straight wins. The Gators, on the season, have a +18 turnover margin. If Florida State hopes to compete with the Gators, they will have to avoid adding to that margin.

Conversely, a victory in turnover margin would presumably mean the crowd being kept involved, momentum being created, and success of the 'Noles offense and defense. If Ponder and the offense can play a mistake-free game and hold on to the ball while the defense creates a turnover or two, the game could be competitive to the wire.

Step 5: Special Teams

If at some point during Saturday's game, Brandon James of the Gators is seen streaking down the sideline with a kickoff or punt in his hands, then it's unlikely Florida State will be celebrating a victory anytime on Saturday. The 'Noles will have to cover kicks well and prevent huge plays by the Gators' excellent return units.

Also key will be the field position battle. Florida will be able to cope with a long field better than Florida State, so for the Seminoles, good punts and punt coverage will be essential. Giving the offense short fields and keeping the Gators' explosive playmakers in check with special teams could go a long way towards an upset.

Step 6: The Red Zone

A repeat performance of last year's matchup, in which Florida State settled for four first-half field goals, will earn the Seminoles another sound defeat. When they move the football and enter the red zone, they must finish drives with touchdowns, because their opponent will.

The Gators have scored on just over 92 percent of their red zone possessions, so Florida State can't afford to leave any points on the field. The deflating effect of red zone failure can sink a team, and to keep the game within reach, the 'Noles must finish drives in the end zone.

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