The Miami Hurricanes and Florida State are set to renew their rivalry on Saturday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami enters the game as a 12.5 point favorite.
Florida State is coming off of a comeback victory at Louisville last Saturday. The Miami Hurricanes demolished North Carolina 47-10 at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami had three defensive touchdowns in the victory.
Florida State’s defense could have a difficult time moving the ball against the Miami offense. The Miami Hurricanes defense enters Saturday’s game with Florida State as the nation’s second-ranked defense.
Florida State has had a very inconsistent offense through their first five games. The Seminoles have the nation’s 97th ranked offense.
How well the Seminoles offense plays could determine the outcome of the game. Taggart has installed an up-tempo offense and has seemingly abandoned the run. Florida State has also installed two new tackles against the nation’s second-best defense. Miami’s front seven should be able to get after Florida State.
Hanging over the game for Miami is a five-game home losing streak versus Florida State. The Hurricanes have never defeated Seminoles at home since Hard Rock Stadium became their home stadium. Miami did defeat the Seminoles in the 2004 Orange Bowl game.
Breaking a seven-game losing streak to Florida State last season was critical. To truly make a statement and establish themselves as the best college football program in Florida Miami has to defeat the Seminoles on Saturday.
This will be N’Kosi Perry’s second start and first against Florida State. Although his first start was in prime time last Thursday against North Carolina in the ACC opener, this game will have much more pressure.
Can Perry rely on his running game against FSU? Can the defense be as dominant against Florida State as they were against North Carolina and will the Seminoles offensive line hold up? These are all questions that will play a big part in determining the outcome on Saturday.