UF-FSU rivalry resonates with Gators’ star Trevor Etienne of Louisiana
When UF and No. 5 FSU square off in the Swamp, each squad will feature 64 natives of the Sunshine State. The familiarity stokes the competitive fire and tests friendships among former high school or Pop Warner teammates.
GAINESVILLE – Florida sophomore tailback Trevor Etienne will carry a proper level of hate into Saturday’s visit from Florida State.
The 19-year-old hails rom Louisiana where LSU goes unchallenged within the state’s borders. But during two years in Gainesville, Etienne has developed a dislike for the Gators’ in-state rival Seminoles if only by sheer osmosis within the locker room.
When UF (5-6) and No. 5 FSU (11-0) square off in the Swamp, each squad will feature 64 natives of the Sunshine State. The familiarity stokes the competitive fire and tests friendships among former high school or Pop Warner teammates.
“I’ve had some guys tell stories about how they have friends on the other team and it’s been a hiccup in their friendship because of the rivalry,” Etienne said Wednesday. “This game is very important and it means a lot to these guys. I just want to make sure that our guys leave with a victory and we leave on the upside of this battle.”
Etienne would like nothing more than to cause a hiccup in FSU’s unbeaten season and help UF become bowl eligible.
“We’re going to play lights out. Our back is against the wall,” he said. “We could really care less what they’ve done previous to this game. But I wouldn’t mind spoiling their season.”
The Seminoles have a potential College Football Playoff berth on the line and battle-tested team with convincing wins against two ranked opponents — LSU and Duke — and 7-point wins against Clemson and Miami. A 31-29 squeaker on Week 3 at Boston College is the one head-scratcher during the program’s first 11-0 season since the 2014 posted one the year after FSU’s third national title.
The Gators’ resumé lacks many highlights beyond a 29-16 win Sept. 16 against Tennessee, leaving UF 6.5-point underdogs Saturday with one of the nation’s youngest teams, a porous defense and a first-time starter at quarterback. Yet redshirt freshman Max Brown, who steps in for injured starter Graham Mertz, also provides a wild card because of his running ability and arm strength.
“It just opens up and gives us more of a way to get the ball and keeps the defense on their toes,” Etienne said. “They have to respect him. It helps us.”
A sold-out Swamp provides another X-factor for a squad seeking any edge it can muster.
FSU redshirt junior Tate Rodemaker will face an atmosphere able to rattle quarterbacks, if not entire offenses.
“Our fans can make a significant impact relative to how they can affect how Florida State operates on offense, especially with an inexperienced, backup quarterback,” coach Billy Napier said. “It’s been rowdy in there in the past, but we need it to be special and we’re going to need them to do their part Saturday night.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com