As we get ready for the 63rd edition of the long and storied rivalry that is Miami-FSU, we decided to bring back the Roundtable series to see what our writers are thinking heading into "The Big One". This is part two of a two part series. Find part one here. Let's dig into it.
Q5: What have you observed this season from UM that makes you confident the Canes will beat FSU?
Stefan Adams: The Canes' defense is absolutely elite in creating havoc in the opponent's backfield and blowing up plays to put the offense in tough spots, like 2nd-3rd and long. They are ranked 1st in TFL per game in the nation, while FSU's O-Line is 122nd in the nation in giving up TFL. That’s a mismatch of epic proportions. UM putting Francois in some bad down and distances will definitely happen in this game and is sure to lead to some game-breaking turnover opportunities for UM's defense.
Roman Marciante: Miami has the number one defense in conference and second in the nation in terms of total defense. We lead the nation with SIXTY tackles for a loss, which is twelve more than number two on the list. Miami's defense is legit. You hear contrarians say we haven't played anyone yet, but I think our schedule mirrors many others across the country. Everyone has pretty much played a conference game, a cupcake, and a legit team. So, I don't buy that argument. Defensively, I think we match up very good with what FSU is bad at. They cannot run the ball. They average 97 a game and a putrid 2.8 a rush. That's good for 120th in the nation out of 130. Plus, FSU's problems at offensive line are well documented protecting the passer. They are 2nd to last in conference giving up 12 sacks on the year. If FSU cannot run the ball, and cannot protect Francois, it is going to be a long day for the garnet and gold.
Cory Grimes: I do think Miami has played good football against mediocre competition since the LSU loss in Dallas. However, I don’t think they are to the level of being able to come out and be dominant for 60 minutes each and every Saturday at a championship level just yet. There have been sneak peeks of that, but I am waiting to see it for an entire season. My confidence in this game more so lies in FSU’s dreadful play. I don’t think there’s a team in the country that has underperformed more. I truly think FSU is a bad football team, and Miami has done pretty well against some bad football teams the past few weeks. I’m confident Saturday will be no different.
Matthew Suero: Miami finally has a QB. N’Kosi Perry is for real and this offense has taken a step forward over the past two weeks. Miami has some of the best skill position players in the country and there is finally someone who can get them the ball. The defense will do its thing, the crowd will be rocking, and, thanks to Perry, the offense will be able to put up some points. All the pieces are starting to come together and Miami will be able to handle FSU.
Phil Wood: The defense. Since week 2, the defense has gone back to their 2017 ways and have been causing turnovers and shutting down offenses. Granted, the teams they've been playing aren't offensive goliaths, but any team that can cause turnovers like Miami has a chance to win.
Q6: What have you observed this season from UM that makes you believe the Canes might lose against FSU?
Stefan: Miami has only played one other game this season against a team that can match up with them athlete-wise and got smashed. The offensive line, besides a few breakdowns, has been solid overall this year. But in years past, they have struggled blocking elite edge rushers, of which they have not really faced since LSU and FSU definitely possesses. Miami's run defense was shredded at times against UNC, and FSU has the running back talent to really make them pay if that trend continues. Akers and Patrick each went for 90+ in last season’s game and if FSU gets their ground game going, that opens up their whole offense and changes the dynamic of this game.
Roman: I simply do not seeing us losing this game I am sorry. I mean I can make a little argument that both teams have 14 sacks and their defensive line is still pretty good. They are Florida State and they have skill position guys. They always will. But we have the advantage in running backs (can’t argue with that run average they have) offensive line, receiver, linebacker, safety and our defensive line is still **** good. The biggest advantage we have this year: coaching, flat out. Willie has not played in games of this magnitude in regards to rivalries. Once again, he is 2-15 vs. ranked teams. That doesn't scream, "FSU wins the coaching war", if you ask me.
Cory: It would be easy to say nothing, but we’ve all seen Miami teams lose games that they had no business losing. It’s in the back of every Hurricanes fans’ minds. The Canes can’t allow this FSU team to gain any confidence early on and let them to linger around. They don’t want to leave this game close late because like I said, the Seminoles do have the athletes to make game breaking type of plays. If Miami can get on top of FSU early the way they should, Taggart’s bunch will fold, and the party will start early at Hard Rock.
Matthew: The biggest weak spot on this team is the offensive line for Miami. If Miami’s offensive line cannot hold up, this game will become very interesting. Navaughn Donaldson vs. Brian Burns is one matchup in particular that could be problematic for Miami. This matchup may end up deciding the outcome of this game.
Phil: It's not so much what I've seen, it's what I haven't seen. N'Kosi Perry looked solid last week in his first start, but was barely needed to ensure a dominant victory over UNC. He looked solid against FIU as well, but it's FIU. How will he react to the spotlight in the biggest game of Miami's season?
Q7: What would a win against FSU this season mean to the UM program as a whole?
Stefan: It'd be huge, no question about it. These two programs are headed in different directions right now and this is Miami’s perfect chance to start a winning streak in the series, kick FSU even further down into the depths, and establish dominance in the state. It is also a big deal in recruiting. I can’t remember a weekend where this sheer amount of talent was on campus all at the same time and it’s an opportunity that can’t be passed up. While I don't think a recruit has ever made a decision strictly based off the winner of this game, I wouldn't be surprised if the buzz generated off a win was a contributing factor for some guys.
Roman: Nothing. We are supposed to beat them this year. It is at our house, where it has been recently really tough to win. Vegas will pick us. Experts will pick us. There is a palpable home field advantage now. We have the superior coaching staff. The only thing I would like to see is a convincing win to sway the minds of recruits. Miami needs to keep their foot on the gas and go for broke. An absolute statement win can show the state that the hierarchy is back where it belongs, where it always should be: with the U.
Cory: I’ll focus on recruiting here. The red carpets will be out for a star-studded list of recruits at UM this weekend. This win is obviously huge for bragging rights and it will help Miami to get a foothold on the title of “Best Team in the State”. FSU is looking like they are headed for a rough era. This is Miami’s chance to really make FSU look like an inferior program. It is important that the Canes show out in front of many guys who may be the future of the program. A disappointing showing would be a major damper on one of the biggest recruiting weekends of the year, but a blowout victory will send ripples throughout the recruiting sphere that show The U is the only elite program in Florida right now.
Matthew: Obviously beating your biggest rival at home for the first time in 14 years is a lot to gain. Also, a win here would help Miami slow down any first year momentum Willie Taggart has on the recruiting trail. The FSU logo does not carry the same respect it used to, so a win would not help with the perception of this Miami team very much, but it would be a huge boost on the recruiting trail.
Phil: It would mean we escaped the biggest trap game of our season and will be well aligned to make it to Blacksburg with a chance to wrap up the Coastal.
Q8: Prediction time: How does this game end up going?
Stefan: The way I see it, the key to the game is this: to win, the Canes just have to not help the Seminoles' offense out. FSU struggles sustaining long drives due to inconsistent offensive line play, but they are opportunistic. If Miami starts getting careless with the ball on offense or starts blowing coverages on defense, FSU will make them pay. But, if Miami protects the football and wins the field position battle, I don't see any way FSU can score enough to win this game. Dalvin Cook ain't walkin through that door. There is really no reason why Miami should not win this game. I see a close game throughout, with UM scoring a TD late to really pull away. Miami wins, 31-14.
Roman: I see this game being a little stubborn at first. Could even see them jumping out to a lead at first. But when the reality sets in and the defense racks up the tackles for loss or a turnover? The wheels will come off Florida State and cue up DeeJay Dallas: we are here to Crush Dreams. 34-17, Miami.
Cory: Even though I mentioned it before, I don’t think CMR and this group plays down to the competition. I think it’s a wire-to-wire smackdown of the Noles. Francois and Taggart get stuffed in a locker by the UM Trench Bullies and the Seminole defense forgets their Jansport backpack on the bus. N’Kosi Perry has a couple TD’s in the air and one the ground. Hurricanes big, 38-13.
Matthew: Miami’s defensive line will feast against inferior competition. The crowd will play a major role and the defense will dominate. I cannot see more than 14 points by FSU. On offense, Miami’s receivers will exploit FSU’s defensive backs. However, the offensive line will hinder the offense at times. We could see something like Deejay Dallas out of the wildcat or a reverse to Thomas early to make that FSU D-line think a little bit. I also expect a non-offensive score, either on defense or through special teams. 28-10, Miami.
Phil: Closer than many think. Miami wins, 35-24.
Q5: What have you observed this season from UM that makes you confident the Canes will beat FSU?
Stefan Adams: The Canes' defense is absolutely elite in creating havoc in the opponent's backfield and blowing up plays to put the offense in tough spots, like 2nd-3rd and long. They are ranked 1st in TFL per game in the nation, while FSU's O-Line is 122nd in the nation in giving up TFL. That’s a mismatch of epic proportions. UM putting Francois in some bad down and distances will definitely happen in this game and is sure to lead to some game-breaking turnover opportunities for UM's defense.
Roman Marciante: Miami has the number one defense in conference and second in the nation in terms of total defense. We lead the nation with SIXTY tackles for a loss, which is twelve more than number two on the list. Miami's defense is legit. You hear contrarians say we haven't played anyone yet, but I think our schedule mirrors many others across the country. Everyone has pretty much played a conference game, a cupcake, and a legit team. So, I don't buy that argument. Defensively, I think we match up very good with what FSU is bad at. They cannot run the ball. They average 97 a game and a putrid 2.8 a rush. That's good for 120th in the nation out of 130. Plus, FSU's problems at offensive line are well documented protecting the passer. They are 2nd to last in conference giving up 12 sacks on the year. If FSU cannot run the ball, and cannot protect Francois, it is going to be a long day for the garnet and gold.
Cory Grimes: I do think Miami has played good football against mediocre competition since the LSU loss in Dallas. However, I don’t think they are to the level of being able to come out and be dominant for 60 minutes each and every Saturday at a championship level just yet. There have been sneak peeks of that, but I am waiting to see it for an entire season. My confidence in this game more so lies in FSU’s dreadful play. I don’t think there’s a team in the country that has underperformed more. I truly think FSU is a bad football team, and Miami has done pretty well against some bad football teams the past few weeks. I’m confident Saturday will be no different.
Matthew Suero: Miami finally has a QB. N’Kosi Perry is for real and this offense has taken a step forward over the past two weeks. Miami has some of the best skill position players in the country and there is finally someone who can get them the ball. The defense will do its thing, the crowd will be rocking, and, thanks to Perry, the offense will be able to put up some points. All the pieces are starting to come together and Miami will be able to handle FSU.
Phil Wood: The defense. Since week 2, the defense has gone back to their 2017 ways and have been causing turnovers and shutting down offenses. Granted, the teams they've been playing aren't offensive goliaths, but any team that can cause turnovers like Miami has a chance to win.
Q6: What have you observed this season from UM that makes you believe the Canes might lose against FSU?
Stefan: Miami has only played one other game this season against a team that can match up with them athlete-wise and got smashed. The offensive line, besides a few breakdowns, has been solid overall this year. But in years past, they have struggled blocking elite edge rushers, of which they have not really faced since LSU and FSU definitely possesses. Miami's run defense was shredded at times against UNC, and FSU has the running back talent to really make them pay if that trend continues. Akers and Patrick each went for 90+ in last season’s game and if FSU gets their ground game going, that opens up their whole offense and changes the dynamic of this game.
Roman: I simply do not seeing us losing this game I am sorry. I mean I can make a little argument that both teams have 14 sacks and their defensive line is still pretty good. They are Florida State and they have skill position guys. They always will. But we have the advantage in running backs (can’t argue with that run average they have) offensive line, receiver, linebacker, safety and our defensive line is still **** good. The biggest advantage we have this year: coaching, flat out. Willie has not played in games of this magnitude in regards to rivalries. Once again, he is 2-15 vs. ranked teams. That doesn't scream, "FSU wins the coaching war", if you ask me.
Cory: It would be easy to say nothing, but we’ve all seen Miami teams lose games that they had no business losing. It’s in the back of every Hurricanes fans’ minds. The Canes can’t allow this FSU team to gain any confidence early on and let them to linger around. They don’t want to leave this game close late because like I said, the Seminoles do have the athletes to make game breaking type of plays. If Miami can get on top of FSU early the way they should, Taggart’s bunch will fold, and the party will start early at Hard Rock.
Matthew: The biggest weak spot on this team is the offensive line for Miami. If Miami’s offensive line cannot hold up, this game will become very interesting. Navaughn Donaldson vs. Brian Burns is one matchup in particular that could be problematic for Miami. This matchup may end up deciding the outcome of this game.
Phil: It's not so much what I've seen, it's what I haven't seen. N'Kosi Perry looked solid last week in his first start, but was barely needed to ensure a dominant victory over UNC. He looked solid against FIU as well, but it's FIU. How will he react to the spotlight in the biggest game of Miami's season?
Q7: What would a win against FSU this season mean to the UM program as a whole?
Stefan: It'd be huge, no question about it. These two programs are headed in different directions right now and this is Miami’s perfect chance to start a winning streak in the series, kick FSU even further down into the depths, and establish dominance in the state. It is also a big deal in recruiting. I can’t remember a weekend where this sheer amount of talent was on campus all at the same time and it’s an opportunity that can’t be passed up. While I don't think a recruit has ever made a decision strictly based off the winner of this game, I wouldn't be surprised if the buzz generated off a win was a contributing factor for some guys.
Roman: Nothing. We are supposed to beat them this year. It is at our house, where it has been recently really tough to win. Vegas will pick us. Experts will pick us. There is a palpable home field advantage now. We have the superior coaching staff. The only thing I would like to see is a convincing win to sway the minds of recruits. Miami needs to keep their foot on the gas and go for broke. An absolute statement win can show the state that the hierarchy is back where it belongs, where it always should be: with the U.
Cory: I’ll focus on recruiting here. The red carpets will be out for a star-studded list of recruits at UM this weekend. This win is obviously huge for bragging rights and it will help Miami to get a foothold on the title of “Best Team in the State”. FSU is looking like they are headed for a rough era. This is Miami’s chance to really make FSU look like an inferior program. It is important that the Canes show out in front of many guys who may be the future of the program. A disappointing showing would be a major damper on one of the biggest recruiting weekends of the year, but a blowout victory will send ripples throughout the recruiting sphere that show The U is the only elite program in Florida right now.
Matthew: Obviously beating your biggest rival at home for the first time in 14 years is a lot to gain. Also, a win here would help Miami slow down any first year momentum Willie Taggart has on the recruiting trail. The FSU logo does not carry the same respect it used to, so a win would not help with the perception of this Miami team very much, but it would be a huge boost on the recruiting trail.
Phil: It would mean we escaped the biggest trap game of our season and will be well aligned to make it to Blacksburg with a chance to wrap up the Coastal.
Q8: Prediction time: How does this game end up going?
Stefan: The way I see it, the key to the game is this: to win, the Canes just have to not help the Seminoles' offense out. FSU struggles sustaining long drives due to inconsistent offensive line play, but they are opportunistic. If Miami starts getting careless with the ball on offense or starts blowing coverages on defense, FSU will make them pay. But, if Miami protects the football and wins the field position battle, I don't see any way FSU can score enough to win this game. Dalvin Cook ain't walkin through that door. There is really no reason why Miami should not win this game. I see a close game throughout, with UM scoring a TD late to really pull away. Miami wins, 31-14.
Roman: I see this game being a little stubborn at first. Could even see them jumping out to a lead at first. But when the reality sets in and the defense racks up the tackles for loss or a turnover? The wheels will come off Florida State and cue up DeeJay Dallas: we are here to Crush Dreams. 34-17, Miami.
Cory: Even though I mentioned it before, I don’t think CMR and this group plays down to the competition. I think it’s a wire-to-wire smackdown of the Noles. Francois and Taggart get stuffed in a locker by the UM Trench Bullies and the Seminole defense forgets their Jansport backpack on the bus. N’Kosi Perry has a couple TD’s in the air and one the ground. Hurricanes big, 38-13.
Matthew: Miami’s defensive line will feast against inferior competition. The crowd will play a major role and the defense will dominate. I cannot see more than 14 points by FSU. On offense, Miami’s receivers will exploit FSU’s defensive backs. However, the offensive line will hinder the offense at times. We could see something like Deejay Dallas out of the wildcat or a reverse to Thomas early to make that FSU D-line think a little bit. I also expect a non-offensive score, either on defense or through special teams. 28-10, Miami.
Phil: Closer than many think. Miami wins, 35-24.
