FSU vs. Miami: ChopChat Staff Picks

FSU vs. Miami: ChopChat Staff Picks includes each writer’s thoughts on how Saturday’s big game at Miami will shake out, as well as score predictions.

Patrik Nohe, Editor

If there’s been one thing FSU doesn’t do under Jimbo Fisher– it’s lose to Miami. Fisher is unbeaten against the rival Canes in his time as FSU’s head coach and despite all of the distractions and ill-will currently going against the Seminoles I don’t think that changes this weekend. It’s almost as if, in everyone’s hurry to anoint Miami the team to upset the evil FSU, they’ve forgotten the Hurricanes have their own worts too. Miami is a good team, but FSU is better. And there’s no way the Seminoles don’t show up for this one.

Pick: 31-20, FSU

David Visser, Editor

It’s easy to make an upset pick here, and it would not be a shock if the ‘Canes topped the ‘Noles. Brad Kaaya has established himself well, Duke Johnson is an outstanding player, and Miami comes in hot. The defense, particularly, is rounding into form, establishing a pass rush to pressure Jameis Winston. But Winston, finally with his full disposal of talented running backs, has not been rattled yet, and he lives for settings like this. I think the Seminoles win– and cover.

Pick: 34-24, FSU

Daniel Ferreira, Contributing Writer

If I had a dollar for teams I hate more than Miami, well, I would be very broke. This Saturday is no different. And for the first time in a few years, I’m not confident in this game. If Jameis Winston continues to throw INTs like he has the last two games, the ‘Noles will be in trouble. I don’t think the Florida State defense holds Miami. This game will be a shootout and the only reason I’m picking FSU is because I don’t think a true freshman ends the streak.

Pick: 38-35, FSU

Harlen Shackleford, Contributing Writer

Just weeks ago, the narrative was written that Florida State should skate through the rest of its schedule after the comeback win against Louisville. This couldn’t be more contrasting today, as the ‘Noles are favored by no more than a couple of points against the ‘Canes in Miami. With not one, not two, not three, not four halfbacks ready to carry the pigskin…okay, actually it’s realistically about four (Miami’s Big Three NBA title reference fully intended.)

The ‘Noles will live or die on their capability to run the ball against Miami’s front. A successful night of ground and pound should garner a win for FSU. If Florida State is unable to move the chains with the run-game, then it would be hard to see Jameis Winston keeping up with the tandem of Duke Johnson and Brad Kaaya.

Pick: 41-35, FSU

Griffin Wilcox, Contributing Writer

Florida State comes into this game on a 25-game win streak including a 4-game win streak vs. Miami. As much as ESPN and other media outlets want to promote Miami as a special team, or a team capable of pulling an upset, I just don’t see it. Miami hasn’t lost at home this year, I will give them that, but their home wins include the likes of Duke, UNC, Arkansas State, Cincinnati, and Florida A&M.

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If anyone has watched a Miami home game they will see that nobody shows up to their games. Sure it’ll be a bit different with No. 3 FSU rolling into town, but Sun Life Stadium is still Doak Campbell Stadium South when the ‘Noles come to town. I think Jameis Winston will limit his mistakes in the first half and get Florida State up early, which will ultimately be the difference. Miami is too one dimensional, and Brad Kaaya has not seen a defense as fast as what FSU is going to throw at him Saturday. Florida State wins by double digits, for the seventh time this season.

Pick: 41-24, FSU

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