National Football League

College Football Week Six Preview: #23 Florida State vs. #10 Miami

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

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Sep 24, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) throws the ball in the first quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Those who are entrenched within the college football rivalry that is Miami and Florida State, it doesn’t take much to describe the intensity. Two schools with distinct histories filled with legendary players, legendary coaches, and legendary contests between the two.

The era of Mark Richt is off to a 4-0 start for the Miami Hurricanes. Not only the team but the program and the fan base has renewed enthusiasm thanks to the hire of Richt, a Hurricanes alumni. His presence has led the Hurricanes to familiar territory within the top 10 of college football. A place where the Hurricanes were used to before hitting a lengthy snag since the mid-2000s.

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher brings his squad to Coral Gables, Florida to attempt to provide a spark in their season after going 3-2 so far with their College Football Playoff hopes reeling at the moment. A win over Miami will definitely get things back on track as well as extend the Seminoles current six-game winning streak over Miami.

The rivalry is full of bad blood and impactful moments. It’s time to breakdown the 2016 edition of this storied rivalry.

Sep 24, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) walks of the field after a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Why Florida State Will Win 

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One of the best playmakers in all of college football, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook is the straw that stirs the drink for the Seminoles. Cook leads all ACC running backs in rushing yards with 635 yards and seven touchdowns.

His yardage total is also good for fifth in college football. First-year starters Deondre Francois has been thrusted into the spotlight at quarterback, throwing for 1,323 yards and seven touchdowns, and has seen some highs (vs. Ole Miss) and some lows (vs. Louisville).

Francois has successfully connected with his favorite targets in receivers Kermit Whitfield, Bobo Wilson, and Travis Rudolph. Wilson leads the team in catches (22) and yards (340), while Rudolph is tied for the lead in touchdown receptions (3). The offense churns out an average of 41.4 points per game, good for 22nd in the country.

The defense has seen a little turbulence on the season as they have allowed at least 380 total yards in four of their five contests. In their favor, they do have the services of one of the best pass rushers in the ACC in Demarcus Walker, who is tied for fourth in the country in sacks with seven. Walker also leads the team in tackles for loss with 6.5. Cornerback Tavarus McFadden leads the team in interceptions with three and that has probably been the biggest spark in the Noles secondary.

Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) calls a play at the line against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Why Miami Will Win 

The addition of Richt has aided the Hurricanes considerably, most notably on the offensive side of the ball. The offense is fourth in the country in scoring at 47 points per game. Junior quarterback Brad Kaaya is the orchestrator of the offense with 935 yards and eight touchdowns along with three interceptions. Kaaya entered the season as a possible Heisman candidate and while he may not wind up the in race, he has still been the steady hand that he has been the past two seasons for the Hurricanes.

A running element that is 24th in the country averages 232.5 yards per game behind the talented duo of Mark Walton and Joe Yearby. The team isn’t deep at wide receiver but junior receiver Stacy Coley (15 catches, 211 yards, four TDs) has been the main threat but the combination of tight ends David Njoku and Chris Herndon gives the offense a set of tight ends that  are tough to defend because of their athleticism.

Oct 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Hiring Richt also added defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to the staff and the defense has taken off because of him. Granted, the four teams Miami has played up to this point hasn’t been the stiffest of competition but the unit is seventh in total defense, fourth in sacks per game, and first in team tackles for loss. Freshmen linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Mike Pinckney combine for 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.

Their play is vital as this will be the best offensive line and running back that they will probably play all year.

Defensive end Chad Thomas has seen a revival to his career as well because of Diaz and has totaled 16 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Oct 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA;Miami Hurricanes defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins (26) and defensive back Jamal Carter Sr. (6) react during the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction 

The Seminoles are facing an 0-3 conference start with the improved Hurricanes providing a considerable hurdle. This is the best that Miami has played as a program in quite some time and the improvement will be reflected in this contest.

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Miami will attempt to stop Cook but let’s be honest, Cook is a force and shutting him down is borderline impossible. He will make his plays and his talent alone will keep Florida State in the contest.

For a much improved defense, this is a massive test for Miami. What a way to prove that they are as good as advertised against their arch rival. The aggressive play calling by Richt this season may get turned up a notch and the Hurricanes should be able to move the ball and score on a Florida State defense that has looked vulnerable.

The key here is Kaaya and the offense making plays for all four quarters, which is possible. Mistakes by Miami can haunt them as it did two seasons ago during Florida State’s last visit to Miami. If Miami can limit the mistakes and be just as aggressive on defense, the Hurricanes will find themselves victorious.

Score – Miami 31 Florida State 24

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