The Gators are dealing with an absence of their own ahead of the rivalry matchup. On Wednesday evening, Florida head coach Billy Napier revealed that redshirt freshman defensive back Aaron Gates will miss the rest of the season following a knee injury that will require surgery. Gates went down during the program's win against Ole Miss last weekend.

Florida football coach Billy Napier understands the importance of the Florida football-Florida State rivalry. Napier brought in different speakers during the course of the season to educate players on what it means within the state to both fans and recruiting.

It’s a sweet merciful end for the Florida State season that started bad, kept getting worse, and finally enjoyed a wee bit of joy in a win over poor Charleston Southern from the FCS.