November marks a month of highly anticipated rivalry games. On Nov. 11, Boone and Edgewater will face off in their 60th match-up. For this competition sides are easily chosen. Also, on Nov. 26, the annual University of Florida versus Florida State University game takes place. However, the Irwin, McEwan and Smith family have chosen sides and they aren’t all the same.
The McEwan family will be ready to cheer on the Florida Gators, while the Irwin’s will be rooting for the Florida State Seminoles, and the Smith’s are a family divided.
The Gators had six consecutive wins against FSU until 2010 when the Seminoles won, 31-7. In the upcoming game, the Seminoles are ready to beat the Gators again.
While the match up is still weeks away, the trash talking has already begun. Senior Bradley Irwin posts statuses on his Facebook page to let everyone know how he feels or perhaps to anger those die-hard Florida fans. His posts include:
“I can’t stand Gator fans. They’re so freakin’ cocky!! No duh you’re 4-0 … You’ve played unranked Florida Atlantic, unranked UAB, unranked Tennessee, and unranked Kentucky. I hope #3 Alabama gives you guys a wakeup call that you’re not all that.”
Then after the Alabama game on Oct.1, B. Irwin posted: “Welcome to The Swamp where the Tide Rolls through…”
B. Irwin says he is loyal to the Seminoles because his mom is an FSU alumni. His younger brother, Kevin Irwin believes that FSU has united his family because they all like the team and watch the games together.
No matter the team choice, tailgating is a favorite of both sides. All three families grill burgers, hot dogs and hang out with friends before for the big game.
“My favorite part is spending time with family and friends. It gives us a chance after a busy week to be together. It’s nice to eat, throw a football around and converse. [I also like] the competitive atmosphere,” McEwan said.
Wyatt and Katy Smith are part of a house divided and really don’t mind it. Junior Wyatt Smith is an FSU fan because their brother went there, while Katy is a UF fan because their sister went there.
The Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles game will be aired on ESPN, the time is still to be announced, but the bets are being wagered, or wished upon.
“Winning by one field goal at the end of the game. That would be the perfect game against UF,” K. Irwin said.