Here are the facts, FSU is 1-2 in 2017, Miami is 3-0. Miami is coming off an impressive 31-6 victory over previously undefeated Duke, and FSU just barely squeaked Wake Forest 26-19. FSU is playing without their starting quarterback, while Miami has their All-American caliber receiver back and also their star running back is cleared to play. FSU is out of the top 25 since 2011, and Miami is coming in ranked 12th in the coaches poll.
Here’s another fact, Miami hasn’t beaten FSU since 2009.
Ah yes, its that glorious time of the year again, rivalry week. While its been seven years since the Canes have downed their rivals to the north, there is still no other week quite like this. Whether you reside down south in Dade or Broward County, or you’re in enemy territory up in Leon, perhaps you’re even across country, those who bleed orange and green realize the importance of this game.
When Miami and the Noles kickoff on Saturday in Tallahassee, it will be 364 days since FSU stunned the Canes in last year’s meeting, when they came out of Hard Rock Stadium with a 20-19 victory, extending the Seminoles winning streak to seven.
It was in Tallahassee the last time Miami won this rivalry game. The score was 38-34, and it was one of the most memorable games in rivalry history. During that win, Canes quarterback Malik Rosier was still in middle school.
Even though FSU comes into the game with a 1-2 record, Miami aren’t taking the Noles lightly. “It’s Miami-Florida State. It’s going to be a great game. There’s going to be a lot attention on this game, but we’ve got to come out and treat it like a regular game, and know we’re playing for not only each other, but the alumni. It’s a big game,” said linebacker Michael Pinckey to the Palm Beach Post.
When the season began, it looked as if it would be another sure win for the Seminoles, as they entered 2017 ranked third in the country. However, after a loss to Alabama, an injury to quarterback Deondre Francois, Hurricane Irma, and then a home loss to NC State, FSU is staring down a possible 1-3 start. Even so, Florida State fans shouldn’t start freaking out just yet. After five games in 2016, the Noles were 3-2 heading into a matchup against undefeated Miami. After that win, FSU rattled off seven wins in eight games to finish the season, including a victory over Michigan in the Orange Bowl. If Seminole fans want even better news, the last time they began the year 0-2 was in 1989. How did that year end? With ten straight wins, a Fiesta Bowl victory and a number three ranking.
Down south, Hurricane country is on the rise. Second year head coach Mark Richt definitely has this program headed in the right direction. Nine wins and a bowl victory in his first season has Cane fans buzzed, but not ready to be cocky. Besides, if you look at the University of Miami and what the football team has accomplished since their last victory over FSU in 2009, its down right pathetic. Miami has a 60-41 record since last defeating the Seminoles, one bowl win and zero conference championships. To make matters worse, the Hurricanes haven’t even played in an ACC championship game since joining the conference in 2004.
To be short and frank regarding the state of Miami and what this weekend means, it is a must win for the Canes. The next step in the progression for the program is in fact to defeat their enemies in Tallahassee.
College football is better when these two teams are good, and even more so when this is a competitive rivalry. So to all of the Canes fans out there, and really Noles fan as well, make the U with your hands all week long, and play your Tomahawk chant until the sound dies, happy rivalry week to all.
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