The Auburn vs FSU football rivalry is a highly anticipated matchup between two of the most prestigious programs in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Auburn Tigers, representing Auburn University, and the Florida State Seminoles, representing Florida State University, have a long history of competition on the gridiron. With both teams having a strong presence in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), respectively, their meetings are always highly contested and closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Historical Context
The first meeting between Auburn and FSU took place in 1950, with the Seminoles emerging victorious. Since then, the two teams have faced each other a total of 21 times, with Auburn holding a slight edge in the series, 13-7-1. The Tigers have had the upper hand in recent years, winning four of the last six meetings. However, the Seminoles have had their share of successes, including a dominant 34-3 victory in 1990.
Notable Matchups
One of the most memorable matchups between Auburn and FSU took place in 2013, when the two teams met in the BCS National Championship game. The Seminoles, led by quarterback Jameis Winston, defeated the Tigers 34-31 in a thrilling contest. The game was marked by a series of dramatic plays, including a late touchdown pass by Winston to give FSU the lead. The victory marked the Seminoles’ third national championship in school history.
| Year | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | FSU 34, Auburn 31 | BCS National Championship |
| 1990 | FSU 34, Auburn 3 | Doak Campbell Stadium |
| 1989 | Auburn 24, FSU 13 | Jordan-Hare Stadium |
Current State of the Programs
Both Auburn and FSU have experienced ups and downs in recent years. The Tigers have had a series of coaching changes, with Gus Malzahn being replaced by Bryan Harsin in 2021. Despite the changes, Auburn has continued to produce talented players, including quarterback Bo Nix and running back Tank Bigsby. The Seminoles, on the other hand, have struggled to regain their dominance since the departure of Jimbo Fisher in 2017. However, with the hiring of Mike Norvell in 2020, FSU appears to be on the rise, with a strong recruiting class and a renewed focus on defense.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Auburn’s strength lies in its running game, which has been a hallmark of the program for decades. The Tigers have a talented stable of running backs, led by Bigsby, and a solid offensive line. However, the team’s passing game has been inconsistent, and the defense has struggled to stop opposing offenses. FSU, on the other hand, has a strong passing game, led by quarterback Jordan Travis, but has struggled to establish a consistent running game. The Seminoles’ defense has been improved under Norvell, but still has room for growth.
- Auburn's strengths:
- Running game
- Defensive line
- Special teams
- FSU's strengths:
- Passing game
- Wide receivers
- Defensive backs
Who has the edge in the Auburn vs FSU rivalry?
+Auburn holds a slight edge in the series, 13-7-1. However, the Seminoles have had their share of successes, including a dominant victory in 1990 and a national championship win in 2013.
What is the significance of the Auburn vs FSU rivalry?
+The rivalry is significant not only due to the teams’ on-field performances, but also because of the recruiting battles that take place between the two programs. Both schools have a strong presence in the Southeast, and often compete for the same top recruits.
