5 Most Intriguing Storylines in 2014 Edition of Florida-Florida State Rivalry
Jimbo Fisher has been exceptional in five seasons as Florida State's coach, going 56-10.
He's also owned the Sunshine State, going 5-0 vs. Miami, 3-1 against Florida and 1-0 vs. South Florida. Of those nine wins, seven have been by 10 or more points. The Seminoles are looking to continue their success against state rivals when they host Florida on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).
FSU hasn't lost in more than two calendar years, winning 27 straight games dating back to a Nov. 22, 2012 loss to the Gators.
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The No. 3 Seminoles (11-0) will look to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff with only two hurdles left: rival Florida (6-4) to close the regular season and Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game on Dec. 6.
Let's take a look at the five most intriguing storylines in the 2014 FSU-Florida game.
Will Muschamp's Final Game Is Saturday
Fisher and Muschamp both spent a few years as coordinators on Nick Saban's LSU staff a decade ago and have gone head-to-head over the past three seasons as coaches of the Seminoles and Gators.
Now Muschamp enters his final game as Florida's coach, dismissed in the middle of his fourth season. The coaches know each other well and are good friends.
But Florida's players are motivated to send Muschamp out with a special performance and an upset over FSU.
Muschamp is trying to do the same thing Ron Zook did in 2004. Zook was also dismissed but allowed to finish up the season, and the unranked Gators came to Tallahassee and knocked off No. 10 FSU 20-13.
"I kind of heard that story," Muschamp told GatorZone.com's Scott Carter. "I appreciate you rehashing it for me."
Florida fans would love nothing more than to rehash a Zook special on Saturday.
FSU's Struggling Run Defense vs. Florida's Strong Ground Attack
It's no secret what Florida does well on offense, and that's run the ball.
The Gators average 197 rushing yards per game but have been especially good in their last three games against SEC teams—Florida ran for 183 yards vs. South Carolina, 215 against Vanderbilt and 418 vs. Georgia.
FSU's weakness is stopping the run, as the Seminoles rank 43rd nationally in allowing 148 yards per game. The schedule has helped the Seminoles in that they have finished the regular season with four straight running teams (Virginia, Miami, Boston College and Florida).
While FSU passed the first test in holding Virginia to just 37 yards on 32 carries, Miami's Duke Johnson ran for 130 yards and Boston College ran 51 times for 240 yards. FSU often did a good job stopping the run on first and second down, but the Eagles converted eight of 14 third-down opportunities.
FSU can't struggle against the run again.
"They have good backs," Fisher said. "And always have good linemen. And their quarterbacks are dual-threat. They can run the football."
Former FSU Commitment Treon Harris Is Florida's QB
Treon Harris was a FSU verbal commitment but signed with Florida in February. If he had chosen FSU, he no doubt would be taking a redshirt in 2014, as he would be behind Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston and Sean Maguire on the depth chart.
But Harris picked Florida, and when Jeff Driskel struggled, he earned the starting job.
Harris is completing 54 percent of his passes (identical to Driskel's total), but the true freshman has six touchdowns and one interception in seven games.
Still, the passing game isn't very dynamic, as Harris averages just 103.9 passing yards per game.
"I don't think we've thrown it as well as we needed to throw it," Muschamp told reporters. "Just more consistent in the throwing game is what we're going to need, and he knows that."
DE Dante Fowler Flipped from FSU to UF on National Signing Day
Like Harris, Dante Fowler was an FSU verbal commitment. In February 2012, he chose Florida.
Fowler is a disruptive force, recording 53 tackles and 11 tackles for loss as a junior. He's already declared for the NFL draft, and Muschamp told the Tampa Bay Times' Antonya English that he feels Fowler is ready.
"You've got to have guys that can rush the passer," Muschamp said. "He can win one-on-one. There's no question in my mind."
Fowler has just four tackles in his first two games against FSU. On Saturday, he will be going up against Roderick Johnson, a 6'7", 330-pound true freshman left tackle. Johnson has graded out at 81 percent in his first two career starts (according to FSU's game notes). It will be a big challenge for Johnson.
"Rod is one of those guys that is big and athletic," said FSU defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr., who goes up against Johnson often in practice. "He has quick feet. Once he gets his hands on you, you can pretty much cancel it."
FSU Looking for Back-to-Back Perfect Regular Seasons
The Seminoles have had to battle for wins and come back late frequently this season, but they are 11-0.
FSU is looking for its first back-to-back perfect regular seasons in school history. Fisher said he's not giving it much thought.
"You've got to be good, you've got to be lucky, you've got to make plays at the right time, you've got to have the right dynamic on a team," Fisher said. "But it's funny, when you're doing it, you don't even think about it. The concern is the next game and how you prepare."
While the team remains focused on Florida, the accomplishments haven't been lost on FSU's veteran players.
"When you look back, sometimes we don't even realize the struggles Florida State had before we got here," guard Josue Matias said. "Sometimes we look back and we're like, 'Wow, we really helped build this place up.' "
Bob Ferrante is the lead FSU writer for Bleacher Report. All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Stats are courtesy of seminoles.com and gatorzone.com. Follow Bob on Twitter. Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.com.
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