FSU Preview: Florida State vs. Miami

On Saturday at 7:30 on ABC Florida State will host the Miami Hurricanes.

Miami is #3 in the AP poll and is 4-0. The four wins came against Notre Dame, Bethune-Cookman, South Florida and Florida.

Observations from the last game

After an agonizing loss it feels like the season is over but with the 12-team playoff everything FSU wants to achieve is still within reach. The defense wasn’t ready for the up-tempo offense, and it showed when they got tired in the second half. When UVA caught the defense with 3 down linemen on the field, they ran the ball until FSU could substitute. I think defensive coordinator Tony White should use 4 down linemen more frequently (especially against Miami offensive line). When the defensive line got a push the linebackers and secondary had a tough time making the tackles.

Florida State offense versus Miami defense

Miami has improved their defense immensely since last season under the direction of new defensive coordinator Randy Heatherman (9^th in FBS in yards against). The best player for UM on defense is defensive end Rueben Bain (2 forced turnovers, 2 sacks and leads team in tackles) who is a force against the run and the pass. Other players Miami relies on are d-lineman Ahkeem Mesidor, linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and corner OJ Frederique.

The Florida State spread rushing attack is something UM hasn’t seen yet, and it’ll take time to adjust, which means the Seminole need to get out of the gates fast. Keeping Bain and Mesidor thinking about outside runs from Tommy Castellanos, Jaylin Lucas and others is something the ‘Noles need to establish. This should stop them from jumping inside to stop Roydell Williams, Gavin Sawchuk and Ousmane Kromah. FSU is counting on big games from the interior linemen to free up some running lanes in the trenches.

Florida State defense versus Miami offense

The FSU defense will be tested against the talented and experienced Miami offensive line led by right tackle Francis Mauigoa and center James Brockermeyer. Quarterback Carson Beck (972 passing yards, 7 TDs and 3 INTs) is the main benefactor of the great o-line. The statistics overall don’t look great for the offense, but they have faced 3 good defenses.

Darrell Jackson must have a great game to slow down the Hurricane offense. If Jackson can be disruptive in the middle, then the young defensive ends and linebackers need to set the edge and make tackles. I expect the ‘Noles defense to play better for a few reasons: home game, extra day of rest, facing a slower tempo offense and a less mobile QB.

Prediction                                                                                                             

Miami’s offensive line against FSU’s young defensive line that lacks a great amount of depth is where UM has an advantage. Everywhere else on the field is close to even. I think the ‘Noles get a couple breaks and clean up the mistakes to give Jake Weinberg the shot at the game winning field goal. The freshman converts.

Florida State 37 Miami 34