College Football: 20 best rivalry games to watch in 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Florida Gators linebacker Jeremiah Moon (50) runs past Florida State Seminoles offensive lineman Cole Minshew (70) during the game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Florida Gators on November 25, 2017 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

11. Florida vs. Florida State

For years, this rivalry was the case of an established program against the upside. From the game’s beginning in 1958 to 1976, the Gators won all but two matchups. Then, Florida State started to win games – a lot of games – and everything changed changed.

This may lack the in-state hate of Auburn-Alabama, but the two sides have plenty of dislike for one another. During the past three decades, as both have competed for national titles, their games have become more than just neighborhood brawls.

After Bobby Bowden arrived, the Seminoles won four straight. While Steve Spurrier’s arrival helped turn Florida into National Champions, Bowden still got the best of him during his tenure, winning eight out of 14 matchups. When Ron Zook took over, he proved to be Bowden’s Kryptonite. Florida won six straight in the early 2000s with Bowden retiring after 2009.

The past seven years have been miserable for Florida in the rivalry. Jimbo Fisher arrived in 2010 and the Seminoles began owning the state. Fisher won seven out of eight games, the only loss coming in 2012 when Florida was number four in the country.

Last year’s proved to be another Seminole decisive win. Both teams were spinning their wheels in 2017, but Florida State came out on top 38-22. Florida State’s defense was the decisive factor as the team scored two defensive touchdowns. The first score of the game came on a scoop and score by Jacob Pugh. In the second quarter Levonta Taylor picked off quarterback Felipe Franks and returned the interception for an 18-yard touchdown.

2018’s game will be compelling to watch as Willie Taggart and Dan Mullen take over on each side. Both will be looking to add another chapter to this historical rivalry marked by great coaches.