The miami hurricanes currently ranked fourth, are set to host the fsu (6-3, 2-3 ACC) this friday night at hard rock stadium. Anticipated to draw a lively, sold-out crowd, the annual rivalry game will be broadcast on the ABC Network, with the kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m.
In recent encounters, Florida State has emerged victorious, winning the last two meetings and nine of the last 13 games. The Seminoles maintain a 12-7 lead in the series since the Hurricanes joined the ACC in 2004. However, Miami holds the overall advantage in the longstanding and intense rivalry, leading 35-32 since its inception in 1951.
Boasting an undefeated record of 9-0 (7-0 ACC), Florida State is among the seven remaining unbeaten teams in FBS, carrying the nation’s third-longest active win streak at 15 games.
Quarterback Jordan Travis stands out as a pivotal player for the Seminoles, holding the all-time records for total touchdowns, total offense, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Travis has consistently contributed multiple touchdowns in 16 consecutive games, marking the longest active streak in the nation. Moreover, he has thrown a touchdown pass in 21 straight games and remains the sole active FBS player with seven rushing touchdowns in four consecutive seasons.
Following their 24-7 victory over Pitt last week, Florida State secured a spot in the ACC Championship Game for the first time since 2014. This marks the Seminoles’ sixth appearance in the championship game and their first since 2014 when they clinched their third consecutive ACC title with a 37-35 win over Georgia Tech.
During the triumph against Pitt, Jordan Travis showcased his prowess by accounting for two touchdowns—a 1-yard run and a 22-yard pass to Markeston Douglas, extending his streak of throwing a touchdown pass to 21 consecutive games. Despite the absence of Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, Biletnikoff Award candidates, Travis adeptly distributed the ball, connecting with eight different players. Notably, Ja’Khi Douglas had a standout performance with six catches for 115 yards, both career highs.
Florida State’s offense is excelling in multiple categories, leading the ACC and ranking second nationally in fewest interceptions thrown (2). Additionally, they stand third in FBS for fewest turnovers (5), ninth in scoring (39.6 points per game), 11th in passing efficiency (162.68), and 26th in allowing the fewest tackles for loss (4.56 per game).
On the defensive front, the Seminoles boast the fourth-longest streak in the nation of holding opponents to fewer than 30 points over nine games, making them one of only six teams in FBS to achieve this feat throughout the season. This is the first time since 2015 that Florida State has held nine consecutive opponents to under 30 points. Notably, their pass defense is among the best in the country, leading in opponent completion percentage (48.4%) and fewest passing touchdowns allowed (4), while ranking fourth in opponent passer rating (101.68). Florida State, along with Ohio State, is one of only two teams in FBS to force more incompletions than completions this season.
In a remarkable defensive achievement, last week marked only the fifth time in recorded FSU history that they did not allow a third-down conversion (Pitt was 0-for-11). The Seminoles’ red zone defense is also noteworthy, ranking 16th nationally with a points-allowed rate of 74.1% on opponents’ drives that reach the 20-yard line. Their touchdown rate of 44.4% on red zone drives is the 13th best.
Jared Verse, a Lombardi Award semifinalist, stands out as a force on the defensive line, ranking fourth among active FBS players in career tackles-for-loss per game (1.12) and fourth in sacks per game (0.64). In the current season, Verse has contributed significantly with 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups.
Leading the team in tackles are linebackers Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, and DJ Lundy, while Patrick Payton leads the defensive line with 7.5 tackles for loss. Renardo Green, a Thorpe Award semifinalist, is a standout in the secondary with 30 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and a team-leading 9 pass breakups.
The University of Miami Hurricanes, currently unranked, have faced challenges in their recent games, losing three of the last five after a promising start with a victory against Jimbo Fisher’s Texas A&M Aggies. While the Seminoles found amusement in the events leading to two of these losses, they were undoubtedly disheartening for the Hurricanes.
Under coach Mario Cristobal in his second season, Miami has struggled with turnovers, experiencing at least four in each of their recent losses. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has thrown 10 interceptions since the beginning of October. In the eight games Van Dyke has played, he has completed 170 passes on 251 attempts for 2,057 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Emory Williams is the only other Miami quarterback who has seen action this season, completing 36 passes on 48 attempts.
Harry Parrish Jr. leads the ground attack for Miami with 469 yards and four rushing touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Freshman running back Mark Fletcher Jr. had a noteworthy start in their last game against NC State, rushing for 115 yards on 23 carries and making three short receptions.
The top wide receiver tandem for Miami consists of Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, who have combined for over 1,200 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Despite the team’s struggles, they manage to average 30.1 points per game.
Defensively, the unranked Hurricanes hold the 19th spot nationally in total defense, allowing 311.4 yards per game. Safeties James Williams and Kamren Kinchens lead the team in tackles, with Kinchens also making an impact in interceptions and passes defended. Freshman defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. leads Miami in sacks with 6.5.
Miami is among the select few teams, especially in Power-5 conferences, to have units ranking in the top 35 in both total offense and total defense as they enter Week 11. Kicker Andy Borregales, a preseason candidate for the Lou Groza Award, has been consistent, boasting 51 career field goals on 60 attempts (85.0%), making him the second-most accurate among those with 50 attempts and following in the footsteps of his brother, 2020 Lou Groza Award winner Jose Borregales.