Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) makes yards against Florida State during the first half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Florida State football traveled down to Gainesville looking to avoid what would be a historic loss in the annals of its rivalry with Florida.

The Seminoles, however, failed in their task.

Behind a three-touchdown day from quarterback DJ Lagway, the Gators defeated the Seminoles 40-21 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, ensuring that neither program will finish the regular season eligible for a bowl game. It is the first time that has happened in the same season since 1978, a year in which Florida went 4-7 and Florida State, despite going 8-3, did not receive a bowl invite.

The Gators will finish the regular season with a 4-8 overall record and a 1-4 record under interim head coach Billy Gonzales. Florida fired Billy Napier on Sunday, Oct. 22 after the Gators started the season with a 3-4 record, which included a top-10 ranked win over Texas.

As for the Seminoles, they will finish the season with a 5-7 record. It's the Seminoles' second consecutive season with at least six losses under Mike Norvell, and the fourth during his tenure. Despite the program's struggles, FSU announced on Sunday, Nov. 23, that it will bring Norvell back for his seventh season in Tallahassee.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When did Florida, FSU football last miss bowl game in same season?

Reporting by John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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