FSU Football 2016 Preseason Preview: Game 6 at Miami
By Jason Parker
Here is a look at how the 2016 season will play out for FSU football with our game preview and prediction.
As we get closer and closer to the 2016 season kicking off in the world of college football, FSU football is preparing for their spot as one of the teams that will compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff when the regular season is over.
The Seminoles will have their work cut out for them, with eight games against teams that went to bowl games in 2015 (including six of their first eight opponents) as well as one team that made a run in the FCS playoffs last season.
While it starts and ends with SEC opponents in the Sunshine State (two of the nine games being played in the state of Florida this season for FSU football), there are plenty of challenges in between and potential road blocks that could keep the ‘Noles from winning the fourth national title in program history.
How will the ‘Noles fare this season when they take the field for the 12 games currently on their schedule? Is there a team that will come out on top and keep FSU football from being perfect in a season of such hope? Here’s our look at how the Seminoles will do in the regular season in 2016.
Game Six – at Miami (October 8th)
Series Record: Miami leads 31-29
Now that it seems to be back in the normal spot in the middle of the schedule, the Seminoles and Hurricanes meet to renew what was, at one point not that long ago, the best rivalry in college football without question.
Now, it’s FSU football trying to win for the 10th time in the last 12 meetings between the schools, including going for a seventh straight victory in the series…all while facing a coach who can be dangerous because of his past experience on both sides.
The last two seasons, Miami has given the ‘Noles all they can handle during these games, as the Seminoles have needed defensive stops to preserve their victories both times.
The Hurricanes do return one of the top quarterbacks in the game in Brad Kaaya. The junior, who will likely be a top pick if he goes pro, has a pure arm and has shown maturity in the face of playing on some down Miami teams.
His best offensive weapons are running back Joseph Yearby and wide receiver Stacy Coley, while the defense is looking to improve with the likes of Corn Elder in the secondary.
Recent suspensions and investigations leave the fate of some players in doubt, which makes it dangerous to know what to expect from the ‘Canes at this point.
If anything, FSU football knows Miami better than anyone that they have played at this point in the schedule. That last two seasons, Dalvin Cook has been a monster against his hometown schools, including going for over 200 yards and multiple scores last year while still not being 100%.
The offense will need to put pressure on Miami to make mistakes, while the defense is going to be tested by a ‘Canes passing game that loves to challenge the middle of the field and isn’t afraid to throw the deep ball.
Key Factor
After what could be described as a mistake during the last five seasons under Al Golden (we at FSU enjoyed it), Miami has brought home Mark Richt to try and finally bring the school back to prominence.
The former FSU coordinator and Georgia head coach has so far been doing and saying the right things, so it will be interesting to see if he can do something that the previous coach couldn’t: get hyped and ready to play their biggest rival in what should be their most important game every season no matter what.
Prediction
It’s no secret that hopes are high in Coral Gables now that Richt is the man leading the team. While it pains us to write and admit as FSU fans, Miami will eventually beat the ‘Noles again and may win the ACC in the coming years.
2016 won’t be that time, and it will be interesting to see Miami does the letdown they have after the last few losses to FSU in the same way they have had in the past few seasons following this game. Florida State 28 Miami 20