Emerald Bowl

Florida State vs. UCLA

December 27, 8PM, San Francisco

ESPN

Alas, the first marquee match-up…yeah, if this were ’96. In ’06, this Bruins/Seminoles meeting just doesn’t carry the same luster. FSU is in the midst of its worst season in a very long time. (Wait, so you’re telling me that if they lose, they’ll fall to 6-7?!) QB Drew Weatherford can ease doubt of his skills with a good showing. Coach Bobby Bowden can quiet boosters who want his head with a good win. UCLA coach Karl Dorrell doesn’t have to worry about job security even though his up-and-down Bruins (7-5) had a sub par year. Something about beating hated USC and killing their title hopes just has that type of effect. Who knows what kind of effect beating the Noles 20-10 in Northern California will have on Dorrell.

Interesting Fact: If Florida State ends up 6-7, it’ll be the school’s first year under .500 since ’76, Bowden’s first year as head coach.