GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Since Oct. 19 — the day players met with former coach Billy Napier after his dismissal — the Gators have struggled to regain their footing.

They’ve maintained their composure, said the right things, and competed hard in losses to Georgia and Ole Miss. What they haven’t done is win.

Saturday afternoon brings their final chance. Florida (3-8) hosts Florida State (5-6) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in the regular-season finale, looking to snap a four-game skid.

The Gators hope to send their seniors out with a victory over their in-state rival and give interim head coach Billy Gonzales — who has handled a difficult transition with class and professionalism — the first win of his career.

“I think he’s done a great job,” fifth-year senior Austin Barber said. “He’s been here since I arrived. He’s only missed one year. I love him, and he’s doing a really good job. A coaching change is always tough.”

This year’s Gators–Seminoles matchup comes with similar storylines. Both teams entered the season with lofty expectations. Florida opened ranked No. 15 in the AP Top 25 and climbed to No. 13 before falling out. FSU began unranked but jumped to No. 8 after a 3–0 start that included a win over No. 8 Alabama — only to then drop four straight.

FSU coach Mike Norvell faced the same pressure as Napier, but two years removed from a 13–1 season, the administration confirmed he will return next year. Napier wasn’t as fortunate, finishing his tenure at UF with a 22–23 record. Norvell is now 38–33 in his sixth season.

Meanwhile, Florida’s losses to Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Tennessee under Gonzales have unfolded amid constant speculation about the program’s future. Barber says the chatter hasn’t been a major distraction.

“We have a really good culture,” he said. “It’s out there, of course, but we still have a job to do. Whoever the next coach is won’t be coaching me, so I’m focused on finishing strong.”

Florida defeated the Seminoles last year in Tallahassee, snapping a two-game skid in the series. To avoid the program’s first nine-loss season since 1979, they’ll need another big performance.

Limiting explosive plays will be essential. FSU enters the matchup with the No. 9 offense in the FBS, averaging 478 yards per game — 223.6 of those on the ground. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos has led a unit responsible for 37 plays of 30+ yards and 19 plays of 40+ yards. Castellanos has thrown for 2,520 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while leading the team in rushing (480 yards), just ahead of tailback Gavin Sawchuk (479). Receiver Duce Robinson has been a consistent playmaker with 53 catches for 1,021 yards and six touchdowns.

FSU’s explosive offense against Florida’s struggling defense looms large in the 69th meeting between the rivals. The Gators rank 69th nationally and 13th in the SEC in total defense (374.1 yards per game). FSU’s defense ranks 27th nationally and 4th in the ACC (318.7).

Florida’s offense hasn’t fared much better — ranking 108th nationally and 15th in the SEC (332.4 yards per game). The Gators have scored 30+ points only once this season, in their 55–0 opener against Long Island. Running back Jadan Baugh remains a bright spot, just 96 yards shy of becoming Florida’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015.

Turnovers have hurt both teams — Florida sits at minus-2, FSU at minus-4. Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway has shown flashes but also inconsistency, throwing for 2,096 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions after battling injuries throughout the season. He went 14-of-22 for 133 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick in last year’s 31–11 win over the Seminoles.

Oddsmakers see no clear favorite based on both teams’ 2025 performances. Florida enters as a slight 1.5-point favorite, boosted by home-field advantage and the 18th straight sellout at The Swamp.

Coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2 with Jay Alter on play-by-play, Rocky Boiman on analysis, and Marilyn Payne reporting from the sidelines. The Gators Sports Network broadcast begins at 1:30 p.m. with Jeff Cardozo, followed by the game call from Sean Kelley, Shane Matthews, and Tate Casey.

The game will re-air on an ESPN network on Wednesday, Dec. 3 (11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. ET) and Thursday, Dec. 4 (2–5 a.m. ET).

Follow senior writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) on X for in-game commentary and analysis. Full post-game coverage will be available late Saturday night on FloridaGators.com.