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FSU Football at Miami In-Depth Recap: What We Learned
Here’s the most in depth recap of FSU football and their latest game and what we learned from their win against Miami.
In another edition of one of the greatest rivalries in college football – and maybe all of sports – Saturday’s game came down to a kick between the Seminoles and the Hurricanes. After years of suffering with field goals going in different directions, FSU football had things go their way as a blocked extra point sealed a wild, come from behind 20-19 win over their rivals for the seventh straight time.
It was a game where the defense showed they do know how to play with passion and talent, the offense against woke up in the final 30 minutes to dominate a Top 10 team – and the ‘Noles again get bragging rights over their South Florida rivals for another year.
Here’s a look at what we learned from FSU football’s latest game against the Hurricanes.
Oct 8, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first half against Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
No. 1 – After his performance the last two times against Miami, it was no secret that the Seminoles were only going to win if Dalvin Cook had another amazing outing. For much of the first half, FSU’s biggest offensive weapon was kept on a tight leash with 10 carries for 87 yards –good numbers until you realize 54 of them coming on one play. In the second half, Cook didn’t add much more on the ground (finishing with 150 rushing yards on 27 carries), but continued to get plays when needed – including a 59 yard touchdown catch. It’s safe to say that we are back to seeing the greatness that is Dalvin Cook.
No. 2 – For the first time this season, quarterback Deondre Francois faced a defense ranked in the top 10 nationally, with Miami entering the game ranked seventh. The redshirt freshman took his share of hits and was sent to the sideline on several occasions, but stepped in for 234 passing yards and two touchdowns, most of it coming during a nearly flawless third quarter. There is still plenty of work to be done, but D12 has planted the seeds for what could end up being a career as one of the best to ever wear the garnet and gold.
No. 3 – A glaring negative that was put on display was the lack of talent behind Francois at the quarterback position. I know Sean Maguire won five games as a starter last season, but his play when D12 was in the tent following a first quarter hit shows why he didn’t win the starter battle. Add in the fact Jimbo Fisher seems committed to redshirting Malik Henry (when he’s eligible) and Francois needs to stay healthy for the rest of the season (and no, I’m not even counting J.J. Cosentino as an option).
Oct 8, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) is pressured by Florida State Seminoles linebacker Jacob Pugh (16) during the first half against at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
No. 4 – For as much as we have ridiculed the defense this season and coordinator Charles Kelly, that unit played lights out for much of the game Saturday. Yes, they gave up several big plays and bended at times, but didn’t break completely and – in a weird twist of fate – ended up balling out the offense’s inabilities a majority of the time. From pressure up front to the secondary shutting down Miami receivers for much of the game, kudos needs to be given especially after all the heat during the first five games.
No. 5 – One of the bright spots on defense – and especially the secondary that has been torn to shreds by everyone – has been the play of Tarvarus McFadden. The sophomore from Fort Lauderdale has given up his share of plays this year, but also got his fourth interception of the season in the third quarter. The secondary needs players to step up in the absence of Derwin James – maybe the other player wearing No. 4 from South Florida is that guy.
No. 6 – Last week, Ricky Aguayo was maybe one of the most hated men on the campus of FSU since only one of his three missed field goals would have been needed to get the win over North Carolina. This week, the freshman was able to convert on both of his field goal attempts in the one point win, effectively winning the game for FSU football with his second one late in the fourth quarter. Kickers can be a weird group psychologically, so it’s good to see Roberto’s little brother have a great day at work.
Oct 8, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles tight end Mavin Saunders (88) celebrates during the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. FSU won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Extra Point
I may be in the minority when it comes to this, but the FSU-Miami game doesn’t have the same feel being in what is now called Hard Rock Stadium than it did for all those years in the Orange Bowl. Yes, it was a house of horrors and a crappy building, but it was also the site of some great wins over the ‘Canes and FSU’s first national title – so we can’t be too harsh on the place. FSU-Miami is one of the best – if not the best – rivalries in college football and playing games in that crap hole near Downtown Miami was one of the reasons.
Going For Two
There is going to come a day where Miami is going to beat Florida State again. Trust me, I wish the Seminoles would rattle off another 30 straight before it happens, but we all know the streak can’t last forever. I say that for this reason: FSU fans need to enjoy the last seven seasons. The ‘Noles have gone down to Miami on several occasions to win both blowouts and nail bitters while doing the same when the ‘Canes have traveled to Tallahassee. It’s a seven game stretch to treasure after years where Miami has ruined our chances at more titles. Don’t take it for granted and assume it’s going to go on for another decade – enjoy it and savor it for as long as we have the streak.
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