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Miami has momentum heading into FSU week after knocking off ACC Coastal foe Duke, 31-6, on Friday.
The 13th-ranked Hurricanes travel to Tallahassee, FL, for a makeup game against unranked in-state rival Florida State on Saturday. The initial matchup was postponed following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma which forced the displaced Hurricanes to practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.
FSU enters the competition with a 1-2 record on the year. They have, however, had success against Miami recently, winning the last seven match-ups between the schools since 2010. The Canes enter the game on an eight-game winning streak, dating back to a 2016 win over the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Miami is Florida’s highest-ranked team in the AP Top 25 for the fourth time since 2005. They enter the game as the only team ranked in the AP Top 25 poll since 1983 after FSU fell from the polls following a loss against NC State.
The Canes defense has been playing tough and physical and deserves some credit for the teams success.
Miami’s defensive success comes from holding opponents to field goals in the red zone, pressuring quarterbacks, and forcing turnovers. The Canes defense is ranked second nationally in team tackles for a loss averaging nine per game. Manny Diaz’s unit hopes to pressure FSU starting quarterback James Blackman and force turnovers.
The infamous turnover chain continues to inspire Miami’s defensive playmakers. The chain made an appearance for the third consecutive game following an interception by starting linebacker Michael Pinckney. It was also featured on College Gameday.
The undefeated Hurricanes have yet to play for an ACC title. A win this week could be a big step in the right direction for the program under Head Coach Mark Richt.