Florida Gators vs. FSU: Preview, Info, Odds, Where to Watch and More

Everything you need to know before the Florida Gators first road game of the season against FSU in Tallahassee.

Fresh off their first loss of the season at home against FAU, the Gators (2-1) are scheduled to hit the road for the first time to take on a winless Florida State Seminoles (0-3) squad in Tallahassee.

As Florida looks to rebound from adversity for the first time in the Todd Golden regime against a short handed FSU team that is attempting to right the ship after the slow start to the season, the annual Sunshine State Showdown is set to write its next chapter in intriguing fashion. 

You can find everything you need to know about the matchup below.

Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles

Where: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Tallahassee, Fla.

When: Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: ACC Network

Radio: Gators IMG Sports Network, Sirius Channel: 390 | SXM App 980

Odds: Florida is a 7-point favorite over FSU, according to the Sports Illustrated Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 147 points.

Series history: Florida is 44-29 all-time against FSU. In their last matchup, the Gators took down the Seminoles 71-55 in November 2021.

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Important stories

• Florida Gators defensive breakdowns in loss to FAU are “very correctable”
• Three Takeaways from the Florida Gators two-point loss to FAU
• Takeaways from the Gators' offensive-powered victory over Kennesaw State
• Takeaways from the Gators' 36-point win over Stony Brook on opening night
• Todd Golden sets tournament-level expectations for year-one campaign
• Assistant Kevin Horde shaping the future of Florida's offensive attack
• Todd Golden: Forward Alex Fudge is "the definition of an impactful player"
• Guard Kyle Lofton emerging as the glue for Florida hoops in 2022-23
• Gators basketball 2022-23 player profile: Center Colin Castleton
• Profile: Center Jason Jitoboh
• Profile: Center Aleks Szymczyk
• Profile: Forward CJ Felder
• Profile: Forward Alex Fudge
• Profile: Wing Riley Kugel
• Profile: Wing Kowacie Reeves Jr.
• Profile: Wing Will Richard
• Profile: G/F Niels Lane
• Profile: Guard Myreon Jones
• Profile: Guard Denzel Aberdeen
• Profile: Guard Trey Bonham
• Profile: Guard Kyle Lofton
• Gators' complete 2022-23 schedule

The rundown

The Florida Gators' trip to Tallahassee for the annual Sunshine State Showdown has higher stakes than in previous years.

With both teams suffering early season losses, or in FSU’s case, failing to get into the win column yet this season, Friday’s bout could bring unmatched intensity to the hardwood as each team plays to set the tone for the rest of the year.

The Gators are coming off a two-point loss at home to FAU after allowing 13 threes to rain down on them when the Owls came to town on Monday. Head coach Todd Golden shared his displeasure with the defensive effort at times — specifically in transition — and notably shared that this was the first time this team would be tested by adversity.

"'OK, what are we about?'" Golden asked postgame.

He reiterated that fact on Thursday during his weekly media availability but said he likes how his team has responded in practice to this point. They have to translate that to the hardwood on Friday, with increased production — or just any at all — from guys other than Colin Castleton, Kyle Lofton, Kowacie Reeves Jr. and Will Richard.

Meanwhile, Florida State is bitten significantly by the injury bug at the moment and is paying the price for that early in the season. Without the usual arsenal of weapons at Leonard Hamilton’s disposal, the Noles are reeling for answers as they await the team growing healthy.

Guard Darin Green Jr. is attempting to provide the bridge for his teammates to return, as he’s averaging 16.3 points per game.

The Gators are currently picked as a 7-point favorite on the road in Tallahassee, where they have struggled over the past several years as a result.

But, even with the spread in UF’s favor, FSU’s talent and length in the backcourt — even if not 100% — could still present issues if the Gators don’t bounce back in a big way from the FAU loss.

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