CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Sunshine State rivalry between Miami and Florida State may have lost a touch of its national luster after FSU’s surprise loss to Virginia, but don’t tell that to Joel Klatt.
On his latest podcast, Klatt delivered a passionate breakdown of why this matchup remains one of college football’s most compelling games of the weekend—and why Miami’s defense gives the Hurricanes a decisive edge.
“Miami being only four and a half point favorites should tell you what Vegas thinks about both of these teams and what this environment and game could look like,” Klatt noted, suggesting the betting markets anticipate a competitive contest despite FSU’s recent stumble.
What makes this matchup particularly fascinating is the preparation advantage Miami brings into Tallahassee. While Florida State was dealing with a deflating Friday night loss to Virginia in what Klatt described as a “classic trap game,” the Hurricanes were resting, strategizing, and focusing exclusively on their rivals.
“This great Miami defense with I think the most impactful defender of the season so far, Rueben Bain, has gotten to completely focus on Florida State for two weeks. I think their game plan should be excellent. It really should,” Klatt emphasized, highlighting the critical advantage of Miami’s bye week.
The Hurricanes’ defense isn’t just good—it’s elite. Klatt doesn’t hesitate to place them in the most rarified air of college football, stating plainly:
“I think the three best defenses in college football right now are Ohio State, Texas, and Miami.”
That’s exceptional company, considering Ohio State and Texas are both legitimate national title contenders.
What makes Miami’s defense particularly well-suited for this specific matchup is the personnel alignment against Florida State’s offensive strategy.
The Seminoles rely heavily on a quarterback-centric running attack under offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, with Tommy Castellanos as the triggerman. But Miami’s defensive front presents the perfect counter.
“The Miami defensive line is excellent. Is excellent. And they’re athletic and they’re long and they can run,” Klatt explained. “Well, what do you need to stop the Gus Melison quarterback centric run game for Florida State? You need a great athletic fast defensive line and that’s exactly what the Hurricanes have.”
The statistics back up Klatt’s analysis. Florida State enters the game ranked second nationally in rushing offense, but Miami has yet to allow 100 yards rushing to any opponent—including a Notre Dame team with star running back Jeremiah Love.
Beyond the defensive dominance, Miami also brings offensive stability with an offensive line that has made quarterback Carson Beck “the least pressured quarterback in the country.” This two-way strength gives the Hurricanes a formula for success even in a hostile environment.
History also favors the visitors, as Klatt points out: “Miami has won four of their last five trips to Tallahassee.” Add it all up, and Klatt sees a clear path to victory for the Hurricanes.
“I’ve got Miami covering the four and a half. I think they win this ball game in a good one, but they win it 27-20,” Klatt predicted.
For college football fans, this rivalry game represents one of the sport’s great traditions—and a chance to see if Miami’s defensive excellence can contain Florida State’s explosive running game in what promises to be an electric atmosphere in Tallahassee.