COLLEGE FOOTBALL / BOWL REPORT : GATOR : N.C. State Seeks 10th victory

North Carolina State goes into today’s Outback Steakhouse Gator Bowl against Florida (3 p.m, TBS) looking for a school-record 10th victory along with a little respect.

“That gives us extra motivation,” North Carolina State co-captain Neal Auer said Wednesday. “It (respect) is definitely something we strive for.”

N.C. State (9-2-1) is ranked higher, but is still an underdog against Florida (8-4).

The No. 12-ranked Wolfpack watched a chance at 10 victories last season disappear in the Peach Bowl when East Carolina scored 20 points in the final period for a 37-34 victory.

“This game can certainly make this a memorable year in North Carolina State history,” Coach Dick Sheridan said. “We’ve got a lot of reasons to go out and play hard.”

The Gators, ranked sixth nationally until season-ending losses to Florida State and Alabama, come into the game ranked 14th.

It also marks the first time Coach Steve Spurrier will face Sheridan since leaving Duke for his alma mater Florida three years ago. The coaches are 1-1-1 in three previous meetings.