Florida State Smothers Florida 27-2 In State Rivalry

Florida State might not be going to the college football playoff, but they got one heck of a consolation prize Nov. 28.

The 13th ranked Seminoles were able to beat the 12th ranked Florida Gators 27-2 at Florida Field, marking the third straight year they’ve beaten Florida at their home field.

“You just don’t come into Florida Field and beat them three years in a row,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said after the game. “Our players know how hard that is.”

Florida State running back Dalvin Cook ran for 183 yards and two touchdowns to account for most of the scoring. Kicker Roberto Aguayo kicked two field goals, and quarterback Sean Maguire threw a touchdown. Despite the final score, it was close until Cook ran for both of his touchdowns in the fourth quarter, icing the game.

The only real issue for Florida State’s defense was Florida running back Kelvin Taylor, who rushed for 136 yards on 24 carries.

But the defense held up strong in the red zone, blocking a field goal and stopping a 4th and 2 situation.

Florida quarterback Treon Harris struggled throughout the game, completing 19 of 38 passes for 134 yards and getting sacked four times. Coach Jim McElwain said he never considered benching him, though. “He could have played better, but so could some other guys, so could some other guys around him. He’s our quarterback and he’s going to get a little bit better this week as we go into the SEC championship game.”

That championship, against 2nd ranked Alabama, is going to be a tough challenge. It’s going to be even tougher if leading receiver Demarcus Robinson is suspended long-term. He was suspended yesterday, and coach McElwan said that his return “depends on his teammates.”

As for Florida State, they’ll likely have a good bowl locked up. Two losses isn’t ideal, but one of those was to the top-ranked Clemson Tigers, and the Seminoles’ strong finish will help them come selection time.

PHOTO: GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 28: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles pressures Treon Harris #3 of the Florida Gators during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)