Florida defeats Florida State to ensure neither team makes bowl game

Florida State football traveled down to Gainesville looking to avoid what would be a historic loss in the annals of its rivalry with Florida.

The Seminoles, however, failed in their task.

Behind a three-touchdown day from quarterback DJ Lagway, the Gators defeated the Seminoles 40-21 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, ensuring that neither program will finish the regular season eligible for a bowl game. It is the first time that has happened in the same season since 1978, a year in which Florida went 4-7 and Florida State, despite going 8-3, did not receive a bowl invite.

The Gators will finish the regular season with a 4-8 overall record and a 1-4 record under interim head coach Billy Gonzales. Florida fired Billy Napier on Sunday, Oct. 22 after the Gators started the season with a 3-4 record, which included a top-10 ranked win over Texas.

As for the Seminoles, they will finish the season with a 5-7 record. It’s the Seminoles’ second consecutive season with at least six losses under Mike Norvell, and the fourth during his tenure. Despite the program’s struggles, FSU announced on Sunday, Nov. 23, that it will bring Norvell back for his seventh season in Tallahassee.

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