The rivalry between Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Florida (UF) is one of the most intense and storied in college baseball. The two programs have a long history of competition, with both teams consistently ranking among the top in the nation. The Seminoles and Gators have faced off over 200 times, with FSU holding a slight edge in the all-time series. The rivalry is fueled by the proximity of the two schools, with FSU located in Tallahassee and UF in Gainesville, just a few hours apart.
History of the Rivalry
The first meeting between FSU and UF took place in 1956, with the Seminoles winning 5-4. Since then, the two teams have played each other nearly every year, with the series often deciding the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships. The rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in college baseball history, including a 2017 game that saw FSU come back from a 7-0 deficit to win 8-7 in 10 innings. The Seminoles’ victory marked one of the greatest comebacks in program history, and it highlighted the intense competition between the two teams.
Recent Matchups
In recent years, the series has been dominated by FSU, with the Seminoles winning 12 of the last 15 meetings. However, UF has shown signs of resurgence, with the Gators winning the 2020 series 2-1. The Gators’ victory marked a turning point in the series, as it showed that UF was capable of competing with the top teams in the nation. The 2020 series was also notable for the outstanding pitching performances by both teams, with FSU’s CJ Van Eyk and UF’s Tommy Mace delivering strong starts.
| Year | Series Winner | Series Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | UF | 2-1 |
| 2019 | FSU | 2-1 |
| 2018 | FSU | 3-0 |
The FSU-UF rivalry is also notable for the talented players who have participated in the series over the years. Former FSU players like Buster Posey and Stephen Drew have gone on to have successful careers in the major leagues, while former UF players like Mike Zunino and Brian Johnson have also made a name for themselves in the pros. The series has also produced some of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball history, including FSU's Tyler Holton and UF's Alex Faedo.
Statistical Analysis
A statistical analysis of the series reveals some interesting trends. FSU has a slight edge in terms of batting average, with a .271 average compared to UF’s .264. However, the Gators have a significant advantage in terms of ERA, with a 3.42 ERA compared to FSU’s 4.12. The Seminoles’ high-powered offense has been a key factor in their success, with the team averaging over 7 runs per game in the series.
The series has also been marked by some notable individual performances. FSU's Drew Mendoza has been a dominant force at the plate, with a .333 average and 5 home runs in the series. UF's Nelson Maldonado has also been a standout player, with a .300 average and 3 home runs. The series has also seen some impressive pitching performances, including FSU's Conor Grady and UF's Jack Leftwich, who have both delivered strong starts in the series.
Future Implications
The FSU-UF rivalry has significant implications for the future of college baseball. The series is often seen as a benchmark for the top teams in the nation, and the winner can gain a significant advantage in terms of recruiting and conference prestige. The rivalry also has implications for the MLB draft, as scouts and coaches often use the series as a way to evaluate top prospects. The series has also been notable for the number of players who have gone on to play in the major leagues, with over 100 players from both teams having been drafted or signed as free agents.
What is the all-time series record between FSU and UF?
+FSU leads the all-time series 124-114-1.
Who has won the most games in the series since 2000?
+FSU has won 43 games in the series since 2000, compared to UF's 34.
What is the average attendance for the FSU-UF series?
+The average attendance for the series is over 5,000 fans per game.
In conclusion, the FSU-UF rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in college baseball. The series has produced some of the most memorable moments in program history, and it continues to be a benchmark for the top teams in the nation. With its rich history, talented players, and significant implications for recruiting and conference standings, the FSU-UF rivalry is a must-watch for any college baseball fan.
