Florida State at Florida: Discussing the rivalry with former Seminoles WR P.K. Sam
By Jack Crosby
On Saturday afternoon, one of the more heated rivalries in the country will take place in Gainesville, Florida when the second-ranked Florida State Seminoles travel on the road for their last game of the regular season to take on the struggling Florida Gators.
Now, obviously, this game doesn’t carry as much weight on the national scene as some of the others due, mainly due to the way that Florida has limped it’s way through the season. Last week, things got a lot worse when they were upset by Georgia Southern of the FCS.
Nonetheless, when you’re in a rivalry such as this, records are thrown out the door and anything can happen. Just ask former Florida State Seminoles wide receiver, P.K. Sam.
Well, I did.
I had the opportunity to toss a few questions Sam’s way about this rivalry as, to this day, he is still one of the more vilified Seminoles among the Gator faithful, mainly for this play in 2003:
At the time, the Gators were ranked 17th in the nation, while FSU came in at number eight. The Gators were looking to spoil the dreams of the ‘Noles–kind of like they will be on Saturday–but P.K. Sam saved the day, hauling in the miracle pass.
So, what does he have to say about this year’s edition of the intra-state battle? Well, this:
Jack Jorgensen: In 2003, what was it like to make such a clutch play against arguably the most hated rival Florida State has? And what was going through your head before and after the play?
P.K. Sam: I didn’t realize how big it was until I got older. All I can remember is how quiet they got when I caught it. The girls face on YouTube is classic
JJ: Is that still your greatest memory of your playing days in Tallahassee?
P.K.: By far the best memory I have. There’s some other good ones but that is number one.
JJ: Last time you and I spoke was around the Clemson game. With the regular season over after Saturday, what’s your overall assessment of this 2013 FSU team?
P.K.: I think they are clearly the best team in the country. From the coaching staff down they are awesome this year.
JJ: On the flip side to that, what’s your assessment of the Gators and their struggles?
P.K.: All I can say is they have a lot to fix!
JJ: What’s the keys to victory for the ‘Noles tomorrow to complete the first undefeated regular season since 1999?
P.K.: Just be who they’ve been all year. Have fun and enjoy stomping your rivals.
JJ: What are the keys for a Florida upset at home, if any?
P.K.: If Jesus shows up in a Gator jersey they might have a chance lol. I don’t see that happening though. Sad for the rivalry but there’s no chance this yr.
JJ: And finally, with all of that said, what’s your final score prediction for Saturday?
P.K.: 45-10 NOLES!