Florida State Seminoles

FSU Football 2016 Gameday Preview: at Miami

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Here’s a preview of FSU football and their next game during the 2016 football season.

For the first time since the 2011 season, FSU football has no wins in the ACC at this point in the schedule. To say that there is panic going on in the capital city would be an understatement. So, with that, why not take on one of your biggest rivals when they are playing hotter than they have in at least five seasons!

The 61st edition of the Florida State-Miami game, arguably the best rivalry in college football over the last three plus decades, is more than just a game for bragging rights in the state of Florida. This may be the most important game in recent program history for FSU – because a loss to the ‘Canes could make things go downhill quickly.

Here’s our preview of this week’s game between the Seminoles and the Hurricanes.

Oct 1, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) and defensive end Jamarcus Robinson (11) along with defensive coordinator Charles Kelly look on during the game against the North Carolina Tarheels at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Last Time FSU Football Took The Field

For the second time this season, the Seminoles came back from a deficit of more than 20 points to take the lead later. After blocking a North Carolina extra point with less than three minutes to go, FSU drove down and got the score to take the lead with 23 second left.

For most teams, that would be enough to escape with the win. But for the 2016 Seminoles, the defensive woes allowed the Tar Heels to get in range to try a 54 yard field goal – that went in and gave UNC the 37-35 win and has some fans of the ‘Noles calling for the head of everyone from Charles Kelly to Jimbo Fisher.

Oct 10, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs past Miami Hurricanes linebacker Raphael Kirby (56) after catching a pass for a 36-yard touchdown, his second of the first quarter, at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Key Matchup

Dalvin Cook vs. Miami front seven

Yes, I know that it seems like a no brainer to say that FSU football’s best offensive player is the key matchup – but hear me out. Over the last two seasons, the running back from just a few miles away from Miami’s home stadium has been the reason the streak has continued for the Seminoles.

Last season, it was a 200+ yard performance and several trips to the end zone, while in 2014 it was two fourth quarter scores that completed the comeback over Miami. The Hurricanes are going to put all kinds of pressure on redshirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois and an unproven passing game, so it’s going to be on the man wearing No. 4 to win this one for the ‘Noles.

Interesting Note

For a 27 game period between the two teams that took place from the 1981 season until the 2006 campaign, both teams were ranked when they faced each other on the field (with Miami not being ranked in 1995, 1997 and 1998). Saturday’s meeting will be just the third time since 10 games since that both teams have been ranked at kickoff. FSU might not be too worried about being the underdog and being ranked lower entering the game, as they have won the last two games in the series where Miami was ranked ahead of them at kickoff (2005 and 2010).

Oct 10, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) celebrates his second of three touchdowns with wide receiver Kermit Whitfield (8) in the first quarter of their game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Florida State Seminoles won 29-24. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction

Conventional wisdom would give you every reason why this is finally the year that Miami ends their losing streak against the Seminoles. They have the momentum and really believe they are the better team for the first time in a while – while FSU football is still trying to figure out their identity on the field and praying for the defense to stop someone.

While Miami wasn’t expecting to be in the ACC title conversation so soon under Mark Richt, the Seminoles were. They are an angry team that is being called overrated across the country and people are wondering if they will win seven games this season. That makes the ‘Noles dangerous and just good enough to make it seven in a row. Florida State 35 Miami 31