Miami

A rivalry for the ages, Florida State versus Miami is a perennial match-up that never fails to disappoint. This season may yet serve as another classic in this storied series. Then again, maybe not. Miami, despite a loss against LSU in the season-opener, appears to be as solid a program as would be expected in the third year under Mark Richt. A solid defensive line, and improved offensive play, spell Coastal contender this season. After years of embarrassing losses to the hated Florida State Seminoles, Miami finally pulled a miracle in Doak Campbell and snatched victory from them. Now, under a new regime in Willie Taggart, Florida State finds themselves in a vulnerable position. Without the experience driving this team, talent is the only thing that is propelling it forward. While the Noles have seen gradual improvement with each game this season, it is a program that is still shaking the lack of development due to years of neglect under the Fisher regime. Installing a foreign offensive system also takes discipline and installation, elements that demand time and patience. Unfortunately for Florida State, the program is taking a step back in a season where Miami is stepping forward in national prominence. The Hurricanes are the upward trending program in the state of Florida (UCF as well *cough cough*) at this time, and Mark Richt has this train rolling. The step forward will solidify in Coral Gables this Saturday, at least in my belief.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, I never had Florida State beating Miami this season (even in my preseason prediction for Florida State). The events of this season, so far, have not swayed my opinion on either team’s outlook in the National and ACC standings. It would be a disservice to my fellow Florida State fans, as well as Miami fans, for me to sit here and make bold claims about how I anticipate a close fought match between my Alma Mater and the hated rivals in south Florida. The truth is: Florida State must trend backwards now to take leaps forward in the seasons to come. It’s just coming at a time where Miami is taking their own steps forward, after a few seasons of installment and development. It would be foolish for me to fantasize upon the traditional clash of titans during dynasty eras. For Florida State to beat Miami, we’d need luck to swing our way and horrible errors from a veteran Miami squad. To even predict both or anticipate it would in-substantiate my credibility as an objective observer. I believe Florida State will give their all, the team will fight to win, and will enter Miami believing they can. I just don’t believe they have the development, tools, means or leadership to pull the upset. Last season was a fluke loss. This season, the loss will be humbling for the once mighty Seminole tribe.

Florida State: 17

Miami: 41

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