Florida Vs Florida State 2009 Could End Two Eras

Florida vs Florida State is another rivalry that's seen better days. Today, Florida vs Florida State 2009 only has national championship stakes for the Gators, while the Seminoles end another disappointing season. The Gators are the undisputed kings of Florida right now, while the Seminoles have been dethroned, and Bobby Bowden may be in his final days. Florida vs Florida State 2009 could be a goodbye game for both Tim Tebow and Bowden, as the Seminoles try to run Tebow's party.

Florida vs Florida State is Tim Tebow's last game at the Swamp, for certain. For Bobby Bowden, he has faced rumors all season that he could be forced out, so this could be his last shot at the Gators. But a shocking upset could keep the alumni off his back a while longer.

In the past, Florida vs Florida State was a game between two top 10 teams, with major national significance. The 2009 version is only important because the Gators are No. 1, and are expected to breeze past the Seminoles. Florida State is only 6-5 this season, and may be lucky to get even that high.

If the Seminoles had lost to Maryland last week, their streak of 27 straight years in a bowl game would be in serious jeopardy. Instead, they will at least get to a minor bowl, but a possible 6-6 or lower season would be another blow to Bowden. However, an upset against the Gators could redeem all of that.

It may not seem very likely, especially in Tebow's last home game. But Florida State has to be encouraged from the last two days of games. Alabama and Texas were heavily favored against arch-rivals, and each were pushed to the limit anyway. That could at least give the Seminoles hope to stay close, but they want to go one step further than Texas A&M and Auburn did.

If Florida vs Florida State 2009 finally knocks out the Gators, then the national title picture would finally move for the first time since September. TCU and Cincinnati would have real hope to get to the title game again - but if a one loss Florida then beats Alabama in the SEC championship, they could still leapfrog the Horned Frogs and Bearcats.