TALLAHASSEE -- In Jimbo Fisher's first two seasons as quarterbacks coach on Terry Bowden's staff at Auburn in 1993 and '94, former Florida coach Steve Spurrier's Fun N' Gun offense was one of the most feared in the nation with quarterback Danny Wuerffel running the show.

Still, in Fisher's first two head-to-head meetings with the Gators, Auburn won both times, including knocking off then No. 1-ranked Florida at The Swamp in 1994. Fisher is seeking similar success Saturday against another high-powered Florida offense, this one directed by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

Does Fisher see similarities between Spurrier's once-feared Gators offense and Urban Meyer's explosive attack?

"What people don't realize is that they run the football more,'' Fisher said. "They are a more dominant running team. Back then, they had great running numbers, but their pass set up their run.

"I think this year, their run sets up their pass. And the quarterbacks are different. Danny was a thrower, where Timmy is a runner and a thrower, a little more diversity in what they do. They still have the same skill guys. They still have a tremendous skill and speed.''

Eight is Enough (By Jamey Givens, Staff Writer)

When FSU defensive tackle Kendrick Stewart runs out of the tunnel at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday for warm-ups, he knows he will see a few familiar faces wearing orange and blue.

Eight of them to be exact.

Nine players from Lakeland High will participate in Saturday's Florida-Florida State game, but Stewart is the lone Lakeland alum at FSU.

"It's crazy to be going up against all those guys that I played with at Lakeland,'' Stewart said Wednesday. "There's eight of them. They made the decision to go to Florida; I made the decision to go here. I made the best decision for me, and they made the best decision for them.''

Florida starting strong safety Ahmad Black leads the Gators with six interceptions, returning two of those for scores, and has also blocked a kick. Chris Rainey is the Gators' leading rusher with 557 yards and four touchdowns. Both players starred at Lakeland.

"Those guys are great athletes,'' Stewart said. "But we got great athletes here too, so it should be a great game.''

Buy Your Tickets

FSU announced late Wednesday afternoon that a limited number of tickets remain available to Saturday's game. With the game scheduled over Thanksgiving weekend, tickets became available when FSU students did not claim their full allotment.

To purchase the $56 tickets, visit Seminoles.com.

Ready to Run

Noles starting tailback Antone Smith played sparingly in last year's loss to Florida, nursing toe and foot injuries that limited him to just six yards on four carries in FSU's 45-12 loss.

As a sophomore in 2006, Smith began getting significant playing time but didn't play against the Gators after suffering a season-ending elbow injury against Western Michigan the prior week. Smith, who has rushed for 696 yards and 14 touchdowns, is looking forward to making his final career start at Doak Campbell Stadium against the Gators.

"I was hurt last year and in question about starting that game,'' Smith said Wednesday. "I haven't really had a shot to get after those guys like I want to.''

Nole Nuggets

Walk-on speedster Louis Givens is playing the role of dangerous Florida receiver Percy Harvin this week on the scout team ... DE Kevin McNeil, who missed the Maryland game due to a right wrist injury, is set to play Saturday. "It was pretty bad. I banged it up. I messed up a tendon,'' said McNeil, who will wear a protective brace over the wrist. "I've been taking it easy. It's feeling good.'' ... Fisher said receiver Corey Surrency has had a good week of practice after dropping two passes in the end zone last week at Maryland.