It never seems to be easy for the Miami Hurricanes when they take on the Florida State Seminoles. That trend is especially true when the schools play in South Florida. Miami has rarely managed to shake free from its rival and win by a convincing margin.
Of course, that’s because of a number of factors. During the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s, both programs were good largely at the same time. The matchups were classics between two teams that were very even. Legendary finishes ensued.
Then, Miami went into the toilet, and the wins over the Seminoles became few and far between. No need to go down that road. Everyone in orange and green knows it.
But now, the Hurricanes are in the Top 10, and Florida State is one of the saddest programs in the country at 1-6 and unquestionably the biggest disappointment in the nation after starting the season #5.
So, that whole anything can happen in a rivalry game? Yeah, that should not be the case on Saturday. I did mention on Monday about how you can typically throw out the records.
But no. You need to not throw out the records. Not this year. And that’s because Miami needs to blow the Noles off the field not because they’re Florida State: because Miami needs to prove it can do more than just barely beat mediocre teams.
And calling Florida State mediocre at this point would be a massive overcompliment right now.
FSU is arguably the worst team on the schedule this year beyond perhaps Florida A&M. Ball State might be more competitive right now than Florida State. USF damned sure is, and the Gators would whip their asses the way they’ve turned their play around the last few weeks.
Miami’s schedule is not strong this year. Sure, many will point to strength of record, which has been good, but there likely won’t be a ranked win on Miami’s resume when the regular season is over, unless Miami can beat Duke and they sneak into the rankings late in the year.
As such, the eye test becomes crucially important if Miami needs to try to secure a playoff at large bid should they not win the ACC. They haven’t passed that test the last several weeks. They’ve won, and I’m thrilled about that, don’t get me wrong. But those games have been ugly. I know this team is better than what we’ve seen the last month. At least I think they are. I know that if they want to impress the playoff committee, they’re going to have to start playing like it on the field.
And I’m speaking mostly to the Canes’ defense. Cam Ward and this offense give enough of a wow factor to give the Canes a puncher’s chance against any team in the country. Points are of high interest viewers and likely selection committee members. Check that box in favor of the Canes. However, this defense is also inconsistent enough to give that same group pause about whether Miami could hang against the country’s best.
I won’t apologize for that take. This defense behind the defensive front has created many questions with their inconsistent play. Poor tackling and coverage busts. That’s why, absent Miami’s stellar offense, we’re talking about a once or twice beaten team.
But there’s still time to fix that, and it couldn’t be against a better team. FSU scored 21 points in their season opening loss to Georgia Tech and hasn’t scored more than 16 since. I don’t care if it’s Brock Glenn or Luke Kromenhoek on the field. This defense needs to absolutely dominate. If the 16-points-or-less trend continues for FSU on Saturday, Miami will cover the 21 points. And honestly, it should.
It’s supposed to be Miami-Florida State. And it is – in name. But this needs to be Miami destroying an inferior opponent on Saturday. That result will go a long way in telling what kind of team Miami is right now.
Go Canes!