Most people immediately think of Thanksgiving when asked what the best part about November is. Me? I am not most people. Ask me what my favorite part about November is and I'll answer with two words: rivalry week. I mean come on, all of College Football's biggest rivals playing each other on the same weekend. What could possibly be better?
This year, rivalry week culminates on Saturday, November 29th. Alabama will seeking revenge against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, Ole Miss will be squaring off against top ranked Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, and most importantly, Florida will be facing Florida State in the Sunshine Showdown.
Although it has been a few years since both of these teams have been ranked in the top 5 during the Showdown, that has never diminished the importance of the game. When one of the teams is having an off-year, their rival is usually having a spectacular season. And if there is anything that can be learned from this series, it is that rankings are not always the best indicator of the outcome. The underdog has the ability to completely redeem their season on any given Saturday with a single upset of their instate rivals.
This year is no different. The Gators are having another sub-par year following their disastrous 4-8 finish last season, and the Seminoles are looking poised to make a run at the inaugural College Football Playoff following their undefeated season and BCS championship last year. But the Gators are not to be counted out. Florida already dashed the hopes of SEC rival Georgia earlier this season and would love nothing more than to upset the Seminoles and ruin the entire 2014-2015 season for FSU.
While all signs may seem like they may be pointing to a Gator upset, one thing must be noted. The Seminoles do not forget. Florida State fans, coaches and most importantly players, all remember the pain of being upset on their home turf two years ago. Watching the Gators win and effectively ruin any chance of a National Championship season inside Doak Campbell Stadium is as agonizing as it gets for Florida State and the Tallahassee faithful. It is for this exact reason, for the sake of redemption, that the Seminoles are going to be absolutely out for blood come November 29th. Stomping the Gators in the Swamp last season was not enough. To fully redeem themselves, the 'Noles are going to have to make a statement when the Gators come to Tallahassee during rivalry week.