First off… at the moment it looks like the Miami vs Florida State game is still going to be played Saturday. Hurricane Matthew appears it will miss South Florida. For everyone else in Central Florida, North Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina coastlines please stay safe out there.
Since a game looks like it will be played how much would a win over Florida State mean for the Miami Hurricanes? Even against a down FSU team, how about everything.
Miami hasn’t beat Florida State since 2009, and they haven’t beat the Noles in Miami since 2004. Since 2009 Florida State has won the ACC 3 times, won a national title, and has a playoff appearance. To say Miami has taken a backseat to Florida State nationally and in the rivalry would be an extreme understatement.
Florida State looks very vulnerable coming into this year’s game. The Seminole defense is in a word awful. Against credible opponents FSU has given up at least 34 points in every game. That shouldn’t take from from how badly Miami needs to win this game, and start gaining some footing in this rivalry.
When Mark Richt was hired, I felt at some point he would beat Florida State and win an ACC Coastal Division. He could be ahead of schedule, and talk about immediately endearing yourself to the fanbase if you beat the rival Noles.
Miami enters a stretch of the season where we will find out if they are for real or not. After Florida State, is a home game with UNC, then a game at Virginia Tech, and then a road game at Notre Dame.
With Brad Kaaya at QB, the Canes have the type quarterback that can take advantage of FSU’s deficiencies on defense. Win and the Canes send FSU’s season spiraling out of control, while at the same not quite announcing the U is back, but saying the U is going to be a force this year.
Really I would say it’s almost a game the Canes can’t afford to lose. They may not get a better chance to beat FSU anytime soon. A win would prove that maybe just maybe Miami is ready to start becoming the program many felt they could be in the ACC.
