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MIAMI +1 at FLORIDA STATE - 330pm - Saturday on ABC
We’ll see where this line finishes at the end of the week. Miami hasn’t closed as a favorite in Tallahassee since 2005. Miami was a small favorite at home last season and lost 20-19 due to a blocked extra point.
Miami is ranked 12th in the Coaches Poll and 13th in the AP Poll. Florida State is just outside the Top 25 in both polls.
Florida State beat Wake Forest 26-19 yesterday, despite being outgained by nearly 100 yards. FSU’s freshman QB James Blackman found Auden Tate for a 40-yard touchdown in the final minute. The Notes were one-dimensional on offense, completing just six passes to wide receivers in the game. FSU’s offensive line struggled and couldn't protect their young quarterback. The win over Wake moved Florida State to 1-2 on the season. Without Deondre Francois, FSU lost at home to NCST the previous week. Florida State has played three good opponents, but is only averaging 18 points per game.
Miami will be heading to Tallahassee with momentum after a 3-0 start to the season. The Canes looked dominant in a 31-6 win at Duke on Friday night. Miami is averaging 41 points per game and has been balanced on offense - 836 yards passing and 8 TD, 715 yards rushing and 8 TD. Miami had 11 TFL against Duke, including five sacks. Both Mark Walton and Ahmmon Richards should be ready health-wise and will likely take it easy in practice this week. Richards had three catches for 106 yards and a key touchdown in his first action of the season Friday night.
After watching the defensive lines of NCST and Wake Forest consistently pressure FSU, it is tempting to feel overconfident about Miami’s chances of winning this Saturday. Don’t fall into that trap. Florida State has won seven straight games in this rivalry. Miami has led in the second half in each of the past three years, but hasn’t been able to finish. Malik Rosier faces the biggest test of his career on Saturday afternoon. Regardless of what Florida State has looked like in recent weeks, we should all expect the Noles to play better against Miami. Enjoy some incredible coverage of this game all week on State of the U. Go Canes.