FSU football: Top five most celebrated wins in 2023 season

3. Florida

Losing Jordan Travis to a gruesome season-ending injury in the North Alabama game was the most gut-wrenching moment this season. But the show had to go on. Next on the schedule was the in-state rivals, the Florida Gators. With the odds stacked against the Noles, second string quarterback Tate Rodemaker had big shoes to fill. Regardless of the situation, Florida State was looking to conquer this rivalry, by any means necessary.

To no surprise, the Noles were off to a rough start with Tate Rodemaker struggling. A touchdown, field goal, and safety quickly put the Gators up 12-0. It was downright ugly to watch. Late in the second half, Rodemaker finally found his stride. The running game also picked up as well with Trey Benson and Lawrance Toafili keeping the drive going with key first downs. Benson capped off the productive drive with a rushing touchdown. Momentum finally turned in favor of the Noles. Cutting the lead was the perfect way for Florida State to end the half, given the circumstances.

Feeling inspired by the end of the first half, the Noles immediately went to work. The offense put on a quick drive with Trey Benson leading the way, sprinting to the end zone again. But the Gators weren't going away. With a positive drive of their own, the Gators marched down the field to the red zone. Just as everything seemed to be going right for the Gators, the Noles defense successfully held them to a field goal.

There's classlessness, then there's the Florida Gators, taking it to a whole other level. Several pass interference and unsportsmanlike penalties by the Gators keep the drive going for the Noles which was alright, until they decided to take it too far. A disgusting hit by Florida's Jaylon Hill, who obviously wanted to take Tate Rodemaker out of the game, infuriated the entire Nole Nation, including myself. Thanks to Hill, Rodemaker suffered a concussion. Though Hill was ejected from the game for targeting, all of us were still heated from the hit. From that point on, it was personal.

Shortly after the senseless hit on Rodemaker, the offense made them pay as Trey Benson found the end zone again, ending Florida's bragging rights as well as their hopes and dreams of bowl eligibility. Karma definitely comes back especially to the petty Gators. Defying the odds and shutting the mouths of the Gators is always a celebratory moment for the Noles.