Florida State at Florida: Three Key Matchups For Rivalry Game

Going 12-0 in the regular season is within reach for the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, though taking on the Florida Gators in Gainesville will be no easy task. The Seminoles will also be playing with Tate Rodemaker from the get-go after Jordan Travis' season-ending injury.

Playing the 5-6 Gators should be a great opportunity for the Seminoles to win, but with the situation surrounding the game, this one is destined to be close.

Florida State Quarterback Jordan Travis Returns to Practice After Injury

What matchups are essential to Florida State capping off a perfect regular season? Here are three key matchups as the Seminoles try to win in The Swamp.

1. Tate Rodemaker vs. Florida Secondary

All signs point toward the Seminoles being able to win this game. They are 6.5-point favorites. Still, being a rivalry matchup with the backup quarterback starting makes this game unpredictable.

For the Seminoles, Rodemaker is going to have to be able to get the ball to his weapons. Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson are incredible and will absolutely change this game if they get the ball. Rodemaker will have to be aggressive with his throws while avoiding turnovers.

Fortunately for Rodemaker, the Gators have just three interceptions this season, with only one of those coming from a cornerback. Reading coverage and playing smart while not getting overwhelmed in the moment will be big for Rodemaker.

2. Trey Benson vs. Florida Run Defense

The Gators allow 161.5 rushing yards per game and an average of 5.01 yards per carry. They've given up 18 touchdowns on the ground this season and haven't been an incredible tackling team.

For Benson, he's got a huge opportunity to help lift the Seminoles over the Gators. If he can get going with the big plays early, something that's happened more in the third and fourth quarters this season, FSU's offense has a chance to find a quick rhythm.

This would ease the stress on Rodemaker to make plays, too, and allow him to manage the game rather than having to lead a comeback or shoulder the offensive load.

3. Florida State Offensive Line vs. Florida Pass Rush

Anything in this game that can make life easier for Rodemaker as he gets his first start of the season will be huge. He's got the arm talent to make plays and a supporting cast to win a big game, but he's got to have protection.

Florida has just 19 sacks on the season, the least in the SEC, with a league-worst 117 sack yards following suit.

If Florida State's offensive line can keep Rodemaker's jersey clean, there's a much better chance he's able to get in rhythm, get his receivers the ball, and completely open this game up for the Seminoles to take home a win in Gainesville for the first time since 2017.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook