One of college football’s biggest rivalries kicks off on Saturday at 7:00 CST when the 10th ranked Miami Hurricanes (4-0, 1-0) host the 23rd ranked Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 0-2). Miami holds a two game edge in this series 31 to 29. However, the Seminoles have owned this match up as of late, winning the last six meetings.
Last Week
Miami was able to stay undefeated thanks to a couple of defensive scores in a 35-21 win over Georgia Tech. Shaquille Quarterman and Joe Jackson both scored touchdowns off of Yellow Jacket fumbles in the victory.
Meanwhile, Florida State suffered a heartbreaking 37-35 loss to North Carolina. The Seminoles battled back from an early 21-0 deficit just to see their only lead of the ball game vanish on a game winning 54-yard field goal.
Florida State vs Miami Preview
Miami Wins If…
The Hurricanes can pull out a win if they can take advantage of big plays. This young Florida State secondary has been subject to plenty of coverage busts that led to scores. Brad Kaaya and company need to take advantage of these mental lapses in order to win. Miami also needs to capitalize on Florida State’s tendency to start slow. In three of its first five games so far, Florida State found itself down by at least 21 points in the first half. Miami should strike early and often to jump out to an early lead. The Hurricanes then need to keep their foot on the pedal in order to avoid a comeback by the Seminoles.
Defensively, the Hurricanes just need to win the line of scrimmage. Florida State’s offensive line has struggled in pass protection and quarterback Deondre Francois has taken a beating as a result. If the Hurricanes’ front seven can keep him on his back and stop Dalvin Cook from getting to the next level, then they should emerge victorious.
Florida State Wins If…
Florida State has to avoid the slow start. Although the Seminoles have been able to battle back from early deficits, Louisville and North Carolina proved that some leads are too great to overcome. Florida State’s defense must set the tone early. Miami’s offense is not nearly as high powered as Ole Miss, Louisville, and North Carolina have been, so if the Seminoles can avoid mental mistakes, then their playmakers should be able to hold their own against the Hurricanes. DeMarcus Walker also needs to have a big game pressuring Kaaya in order for Florida State to win. In week one against the Rebels, Walker had four and a half sacks in the second half alone. A repeat performance should force Kaaya into turnovers and take the pressure off of the Seminoles’ secondary.
On the other side of the ball, Florida State’s receivers have to step up. Against North Carolina, only two Seminole receivers caught passes. When Miami loads up the box to stop Cook, these receivers need to create separation and hang on to the ball when it hits them in the hands. More production from the receiving core and more push and protection from the offensive line should allow Francois and Cook to have bigger games as well.
Prediction
This game should prove whether or not Miami is truly back. One factor that could determine the outcome is how sloppy the field conditions will be after Hurricane Matthew. Florida State has yet to prove that it can play 60 minutes of football this year so expect the Seminoles to be trailing early again. Florida State will battle back but ultimately the Hurricanes should be able seal the deal.
Miami 24, FSU 20
Main Photo
