The Florida State vs Miami game on Saturday is the latest addition to one of the ACC’s best rivalries. The Noles are coming off a 41-16 win over Georgia Tech. As for Miami, the Hurricanes enter Saturday following a four-overtime 14-12 win at Virginia.
Florida State vs Miami Preview
Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis continues to lead the offense in the right direction. Before the win over GT, the Noles lost three straight games. But getting back on track before making the trip to Hard Rock Stadium was a must. Last season, the Seminoles defeated the Hurricanes in Tallahassee 31-28.
Offense Will Be The Storyline
FSU’s offense could move the ball well this week. Miami gives up 341 yards and nearly 23 points per game. Running backs Lawrence Toafili and Trey Benson could be key factors against a Miami rush defense that allows 112 yards per game.
On the outside, watch for Johnny Wilson and Mycah Pittman to play key roles. Malik McClain and Kentron Poirtier have seen valuable field time as well in 2022. Florida State’s receivers will match up well against Miami’s secondary.
Could Miami Show an Improved Offense?
For the Hurricanes, quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke and Jake Garcia have split time so far. Van Dyke has been injured throughout the year but was a projected All-ACC pick prior to the season. Miami hasn’t lived up to the hype surrounding the 2022 program.
In 2022, neither quarterback for the Canes has looked great by any standard. Miami has struggled mightily on offense, and the numbers back that up. If the Hurricanes are going to have success, being consistent in the passing game will be key. To that point, the Florida State defense is hungry to attack the Canes and put on a solid performance. The defensive line must pressure Garcia in the pocket and force him to become two-dimensional. Holding Miami to under 250 yards of offense would be a huge momentum swing.
Noles Defense Keeps Getting Better
Currently sitting at 4-4, the Canes need a win over the Seminoles. However, Florida State is the better team across the board. On defense, Jared Verse, Kalen DeLoach, and Tatum Bethune have played outstanding all year. The defensive front for FSU is likely to pressure Miami early and often. The Noles secondary has to defend passes well and not allow the Miami receivers to get into open space. Winning the battle at the line of scrimmage will tell a lot about this FSU defense against one of its biggest rivals. While the offense has been the story, the Seminoles’ defense has to continue to get better. Facing a broken and battered Hurricanes offense that struggles to move the ball is the perfect opportunity. Starting November with a solid outing could go a long way for Adam Fuller’s defense.
Saturday’s Florida State vs Miami game could be a bowl-eligibility game for the Noles. Currently favored by nearly eight points, FSU has the talent and the momentum to go to Miami and get a huge conference win. While both teams aren’t going to make the ACC Championship, this game holds bragging rights for the winner.
