Saturday at 3:30 PM on ESPN the Seminoles will host the rival Miami Hurricanes. This will be coach Mike Norvell’s first game against Miami.
Miami is 5-4 this season with wins over Appalachian State, Central Connecticut State, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech. The three losses came to Alabama, Michigan State, North Carolina and Virginia.
FSU is 30-35 all time versus Miami. Florida State has lost the last four meetings with the last win coming in 2016.
Observations from the last game
Once again, this team had to deal with circumstances that were out of their control. Around 20 players including starting quarterback Jordan Travis had to sit out due to the flu. The rest of the team performed admirably and were in a position to win the game until the last seven minutes.
The Florida State offensive line has shown all year that they are better at run blocking than they are at pass blocking. With Travis out the offense had to change the game plan and the O-Line was asked to pass block more with McKenzie Milton at quarterback.
Florida State offense versus Miami defense
All signs point towards Travis being able to play, which is monumental news for the Noles. FSU is 3-2 when Travis starts.
Miami’s defense has been decent defending the run but rank 117 against the pass. Travis, Jashaun Corbin and Treshaun Ward can run it versus most teams while having difficulty at times throwing it. Facing a less than stellar defense should be able to help FSU get back on track. The Hurricanes’ best defender all year has been safety Bubba Bolden (42 tackles). He will not be able to play due to a season ending injury and linebackers Waynmon Steed and Corey Flagg have had to pick up the slack in his absence.
Florida State defense versus Miami offense
Tyler Van Dyke (1,877 yards, 15 TDs and 4 interceptions) has started the last 5 games for the Hurricanes after the injury to D’Eriq King. Van Dyke struggled early on but has turned a corner and is considered one of the best QBs in the conference. He isn’t the most mobile QB and UM’s offensive line has struggled, which has resulted in 26 total sacks.
FSU pass rushers Jermaine Johnson and Keir Thomas will be relying on the young corners to give them enough time to get to Van Dyke. Corners Jarvis Brownlee, Jarrian Jones, Kevin Knowles and Omarion Cooper have continued their improved play and will need to keep it up against Miami’s big play receivers, Charleston Rambo (58 catches for 860 yards) and Mike Harley.
Special Teams
Miami has the advantage in the kicking game.
Prediction
Florida State has put up points using its ground attack and Miami does it the air. Each defense will force their opponent to do the opposite and I think Travis will make more plays with his arm.
Seminoles 35 Miami 31
FSU Preview: Florida State versus Miami added by Scott Carswell Jr on
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Scott, you crushed your analysis and prediction! Spot on. Travis with the arm, defensive ends stepping up and high scoring nail biter. Can’t wait for BC breakdown. Good job!
“In the grand scheme of creation, each small or big prayer we bring to God reminds us of who is truly working in and through all things. God displays His loving and caring character in the way He receives our requests–He graciously welcomes them.”
“Whether large or minute, our prayers relinquish our grip on that which we can’t control and places our trust in God’s sovereign authority over all things. In moments of need, we shouldn’t question whether God cares, but rather be reminded of how He has cared so deeply for even the minor details of our lives.”
You think God cares who wins a football game?
Father in Heaven, we lay down our hopes,
And ask that You lead us today.
Come bring out the best in each player we have,
To respond to each moment of play. Amen.
ESPN? Wow, I remember a time when ALL of FSU’s games were televised on either Local Channels 7 or 9.