Miami Hurricanes Five most memorable defensive performances with Manny Diaz as coordinator

After falling behind 27-7 to Florida State the Miami defense took the game over. A pair of turnovers forced inside the Florida State 25 yardline changed the course of the game in the third quarter. A Gerald Willis fumble recovery caused by a Sheldrick Redwine blitz and a Michael Pinckney interception began the comeback.

Florida State finished the game with just 200 total yards of offense. The utter dominance by the Hurricanes defense of Florida State offense in the second half was one of the most impressive in the history of the rivalry. The Seminoles gained just 40 yards after halftime. Florida State averaged 3.08 yards per play on the afternoon.

The Seminoles averaged an even worse 2.1 rushing yards per carry. Florida State marched 58 yards in eight plays on the game’s opening drive that culminated in a Keith Gavin touchdown reception from Dondre Francois. A Tamorrion Terry 17-yard TD reception from Francois capped off 36-yard touchdown drive for FSU.

Outside of their two touchdown drives, Florida State had 106 yards on their remaining 14 possessions. Two Roberto Aguayo field goals and a D.J. Matthews 74-yard punt return put the Seminoles other 13 points on the board. The will of the Miami defense won the game. It brought back memories of the 1980s.