The annual rivalry between Florida and Florida State is upon us and the Seminoles are 7.5 point favorites for Saturday’s matchup. While the Gators don’t have any postseason implications to play for, they could still spoil FSU’s undefeated run and hopes of a College Football Playoff berth.

Before this weekend’s game, SDS spoke with Tom D’Angelo of the Palm Beach Post to get an idea of what to expect from the Seminoles in this heated rivalry matchup.

Drew Laing: In your opinion, what’s the bigger storyline in this weekend’s game: FSU’s bid for another undefeated regular season or Will Muschamp’s final game?

Tom D’Angelo: Anytime a team is on a historic run, having won 27 in a row, and receiving the attention FSU is, that has to be the biggest storyline nationally. The entire country is rooting against the Seminoles and waiting for them to fall and because of the classy way Muschamp has handled the last two weeks, many would love to see it happen this week. But FSU is looking to do something historic.

Laing: FSU hasn’t lost a game this season, but the wins haven’t been nearly as big as last year. What’s changed from 2013 to 2014?

D’Angelo: Plenty. On offense, the line has been a big disappointment and the receivers are young. All of that has directly resulted in Winston not being as efficient as he was last season. The defense lost six key starters and is no where near as dominant as it was a year ago. I believe most people overestimated the defense entering the season but this is an average defense that has been able to make the big stops when they are needed most.

Laing: Talk about the impact of FSU’s freshman playmakers — Dalvin Cook, Ermon Lane and Travis Rudolph.

D’Angelo: It has been huge. No way is this team still undefeated without the emergence of these three players. Cook has helped lessen the disappointing season starting RB Karlos Williams is having and Rudolph and Lane have helped fill the void of losing Kelvin Benjamin and Kenny Shaw. All three have made their share of mistakes but they will be playing a big role next year when FSU loses eight offensive starters.

Laing: What player does FSU miss the most from last year’s national championship team?

D’Angelo: I will give you one on both sides: Offensively, Kelvin Benjamin. He was such a security blanket for Winston when things got tough and almost impossible to cover in certain situations. Just as Auburn. Defensively, Timmy Jernigan. He was the best nose tackle in the country and FSU has been vulnerable up the middle this season.

Laing: Could Florida have as much success running the football against FSU as it did versus UGA>

D’Angelo: I don’t think the Gators will rush for 418 but they won’t have to gain that many to win this game. FSU has not been great against the run this year, giving up 149 yards per game, which is 43rd nationally. But after limiting Virginia to 37 yards on the ground three weeks ago, Miami and Boston College combined for 416 yards. So I think Florida can run the ball against FSU.

Laing: How do you see Saturday playing out? Does Florida get a win in Muschamp’s final game?

D’Angelo: I have seen FSU find a way to win too many times. If this game were in the Swamp I probably would pick Florida. But the Seminoles have so much on the line and they seem to rise when the pressure is on and the stakes are higher. I am not sure FSU is going to win the national championship but I do believe it will get to the final four undefeated.