The State of Florida has a long and rich history of success in the college football realm, though the top programs in the land of sunshine have sputtered a bit over the past decade. However, things are once again heating up ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Heading into fall, the No. 10 Florida State Seminoles are the highest-ranked team in the state according to the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. It should not come as a surprise, then, that CBS Sports writer David Cobb picked FSU as the best program in the state for the upcoming campaign.
“Florida State finished 13-1 in 2023, posting its best season since winning the 2014 national title,” Cobb notes. “Though the Seminoles were snubbed from the College Football Playoff, they proved to be the state’s top team by a wide margin.”
For the record, the ‘Noles defeated the Gators last season in Gainesville, 24-15, in what turned out to be an ugly rock fight between the two rivals. That makes it two in a row for FSU following a three-game winning streak for the Gators prior.
The No. 19 Miami Hurricanes also earned a mention, though success has been a bit fleeting for the U of late.
“Expectations are high at Miami this season, but the Hurricanes have ground to make up after a 12-13 beginning to coach Mario Cristobal’s tenure.”
Florida’s 2024 season opener
Florida and Miami open their schedule on Aug. 31 in Gainesville, Florida. Kickoff time is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC Sports.
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