After struggling through much of the first half against the Furman Paladins of the FCS, the Florida Gators pulled away in the second half, coasting to a 54-32 win, securing their sixth victory of the season, making them bowl eligible. Representatives of the Gator Bowl have said that Florida, despite their not-too-stellar 6-5 mark, will be invited to play in the Jacksonville-based postseason game. They are currently projected to face the Ohio State Buckeyes from the Big Ten.
The heavily favored Florida State Seminoles lost a 14-13 heartbreaker to the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday night, snapping a five game FSU winning streak. It was Virginia's first win in eight tries in Tallahassee. Florida State ends the year with their traditional season finale next Saturday when they face the Gators.
Here are current bowl projections for Florida and Florida State:
Champs Sports Bowl, December 29, 2011
Notre Dame vs. Florida State
Gator Bowl, January 2, 2012
Florida vs. Ohio State
For more 2011 bowl projections, check out SB Nation's college football hub. For a complete bowl schedule, click here. For more on the Gators, be sure to visit Alligator Army. For all your Florida State news and notes, pop over to Tomahawk Nation.