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FSU Rivals: Writer says Michigan better non-SEC game than Noles for UF

By Jason Parker

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 29: The Florida State Seminoles line up against the Florida Gators during a game at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 29, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 29: The Florida State Seminoles line up against the Florida Gators during a game at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 29, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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FSU and Florida will meet for their regular season finale yet again this season – but one Gainesville writer says UF’s opener is a better game this season.

Ever since the 1980 season, both FSU and Florida have met in what has been the regaulr season finale for both schools (with the exception of the 2001 season, when games delayed by the September 11th tragedy were played afterward). It’s a yearly tradition in the Sunshine State for the Seminoles and Gators to meet and settle their differences on the field.

For most of this decade, the series has been dominated by Florida State with the Noles winning six of the seven games played over that span. While the Gators still hold a nine game lead in the series, it right now without a doubt is the Seminoles’ time to shine against their hated foes from Gainesville.

This season, both teams will have a challenge not just to end the year, but also to start it. While FSU will be facing Alabama to open the year, the Gators will actually play a non-conference power other than the Seminoles when they travel to Arlington, Texas for a game against the Michigan Wolverines – the first time Florida has played a regular season non-conference game outside the state since 1991.

According to the Gainesville Sun’s Pat Dooley, that game is a better one than the annual battle with the Seminoles – ranking it the third best non-conference game involving a SEC team (with FSU-Alabama being No. 1):

"3. Florida-MichiganSept. 2 in Jerry World is the place to be for all Gators and Wolverines. If Florida is going to have a special season, this is a must-win game."

Right after that,  Dooley ranked the season finale but started with an interesting thought:

"4. FSU at FloridaThis one isn’t until Nov. 25 and there’s no telling where these teams will be by then. But no matter the circumstances, this is an important game for Jim McElwain."

Ummm…I mean, I guess when you keep losing to your rivals with the games usually not even being close, I would throw some shade and rank a game against a team that the Seminoles beat in the Orange Bowl last year ahead of a game against a team considered by many to be a College Football Playoff favorite.

Next: Top FSU Football Rivalry Wins Over Florida and Miami

I’ll tell you exactly how the teams will be by the end of the year (baring catastrophic injuries or circumstances): FSU will be in contention for the four team playoff system and the Gators will be busy trying to figure out if their offense could compete against high school teams in the state.

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