In 2012, the Hurricanes won three of their last four to finish 7-5 after the Seminoles beat them 33-20 in Miami Gardens. Their only loss was a 41-40 defeat at Virginia.
What all this means during the losing streak to FSU is hard to say. The Hurricanes were 11-11 under Golden after losses to FSU. They were 7-9 under Golden overall and 4-2 under Larry Scott after losing to the Noles last season
In the final year of the Shannon regime, Miami finished the season with four wins in their last six games after losing to the Seminoles. Asked about the possible hangover effect after losing to Florida State by Andrew Carter of the Charlotte NewsObserver Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post said:
"“11-11 under Al Golden following FSU losses, with some of the least-inspired football you’ll see at this level. Miami’s FSU hangovers have been brutal. The Hurricanes always come out of that week nursing wounds both mental and physical.”"
The consensus seems to be that the team suffers a let down after FSU, but the .500 record would seem to indicate a fall into mediocrity. In their championship era, that would have been considered a hangover. It’s hard to determine if that would be accurate now.
The Hurricanes talked about the Hangover effect going into the Independence Bowl against South Carolina in 2014. Junior Defensive Tackle Calvin Heurtelou said “We haven’t been the same since Florida State”
Quarterback Brad Kaaya who was a freshman in 2014 said:
"“A lot of guys were hurting after that game…It was a big game for a lot of people. At the same time, we have to be able to bounce back from that. We were still bowl eligible, and there were still games to play after that. We have to be able to bounce back.”"
Next: Will the Miami Hurricanes Offensive Woes be Blamed for Losses
Whether the Hurricanes are still lamenting the lost chance against Florida State, they can still win the ACC Coastal Division with some help. They have the opportunity to go out and prove the hangover effect is just that.