It’s rivalry weekend, but the fall of teams such as Florida State have made these games more about coronations of senior classes than outcomes.
Take Florida State vs. Florida on Saturday. The top-ranked Gators (11-0) are on the verge of their third national title opportunity in four years and first perfect season, thanks to the class that plays its last home game Saturday.
The 2006 recruiting class was ranked No. 2 in the nation. OK, sometimes recruiting services get it right. From this class came a Heisman Trophy winner in Tim Tebow, a national defensive player of the year in middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, three All-Americans and five all-Southeastern Conference players. Oh, yes. That doesn’t include Percy Harvin, who left early to become a first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, where he’s having a sensational season.
They’re 27-5 in the SEC, 25-2 at home, 24-3 against ranked opponents and 11-1 against traditional rivals Tennessee, Georgia, Florida State and Miami.
“It’s mind-boggling when you think about what those young guys have done,” Florida coach Urban Meyer told The Gainesville Sun.
Meanwhile, Florida State (6-5) comes to The Swamp with backup freshman quarterback E.J. Manuel. Christian Ponder is out with a separated shoulder.
“We don’t feel like we can’t move the ball against anybody,” FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher told the Tallahassee Democrat. “You always have to feel like that when you go in. I’m not scared.”
