FSU is still smarting from a heartbreaker at Virginia, but there’s no time to dwell. The reason? Saturday brings a colossal clash as Miami heads to Doak Campbell Stadium. Bragging rights and ACC title hopes are on the line in this fierce rivalry. While No. 3 Miami faces its first road test of the season, the Seminoles can’t afford an 0-2 start in conference play. FSU DB Earl Little Jr. isn’t holding back, “I’m telling my guys every day it’s going to be a bloodbath,” he said. “Whatever we’ve got to do to prepare, that’s what we’re doing. Whether it’s hitting hard in practice or attacking physicality every day, it all boils down to who wants it more.” FSU will need every bit of firepower to topple the Hurricanes.
On the October 2 episode of CBS Sports College Football, Brandon Marcello, Matt Zenitz, Shehan Jeyarajah, and Richard Johnson broke down the Week 6 pressure index. When the FSU vs. Miami matchup came up, Zenitz was candid about the Seminoles. “They’re an above average team. That’s what they are,” he said. “This is a team more along the lines of an 8-and-4 roster compared to what people were maybe thinking coming out of the Alabama game.” Then he also highlighted the impact of roster moves through the transfer portal, saying, “You’ve seen over the last few years how teams can reshape their rosters and overall outlook based on what they’re able to do through the portal.” Against Virginia, FSU was able showcase its offensive strength with over 500 total yards. But according to Zenitz, the team will need consistency to take on this tough Miami squad.
“Florida State’s going to have to be carried by their offense, at least in the short term,” said Brandon Marcello. The Seminoles boast the nation’s top scoring attack and total yardage, averaging 600 yards per game, yet Miami’s revamped defense, especially in the secondary, presents a formidable challenge. Marcello continues to highlight how alumni from Miami praise this dominant front line.
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“They think that this defensive line’s the best they’ve had at Miami in 20-some years, maybe since at least 2002… Mesidor and Bain. They are going to ravage people throughout the ACC this year,” said Marcello. So this week, FSU’s O-line will be under the microscope. If they struggle, a double-digit home loss is a real possibility. In other words, the Seminoles’ offense must be perfect to defeat the Hurricanes in Tallahassee.
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Mike Norvell knows the stakes of the Miami-FSU rivalry. “I start off the year with it, and I want to make sure I help ingrain in them the importance of this game, the importance of this opportunity,” he said. “It will be a game that they remember the rest of their life. This represents so much, and your best is required.” Then Norvell emphasized responsibility and preparation. “This is a 365-day-a-year battle,” he added. “I feel that urgency in the team, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.” Now, while the HC’s vision is clear for the battle against the Hurricanes, is the team fully healthy?
FSU’s availability report
FSU faces No. 3 Miami Saturday in a rare ranked showdown: the first between these programs since 2016. Both teams are battling for state supremacy. Now, the Seminoles want to rebound from their first loss. But players need to be available for the FSU team for that to happen. The ACC has released the mandatory Week 6 availability report ahead of the clash.
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