FSU Trumps the ‘Canes in Miami– Again

Once again, FSU fell behind a tough opponent on the road. As it had with NC State. And Louisville. But tonight was going to be different–right?

The ‘Noles trailed 16-0 against their arch rival, the Miami Hurricanes. Jameis Winston, again, was making poor decisions. Misreading coverages, tossing an ill-timed pick before the half. We’d seen it before. But this was going to be different, because this was UM, on the road.

Except it wound up precisely the same as so many games the ‘Noles have played this year.

Miami QB Brad Kaaya was brilliant early in staking the ‘Canes to a substantial lead. The Seminoles couldn’t get off the field, as Miami picked up third down after third down. Yet another busted coverage seemed to doom the ‘Noles. But that’s the thing about this FSU team: it thrives with its back against the wall. And it was backed up all the way in this one.

FSU was sloppy early. Jalen Ramsey came up with a big strip on Miami’s first play from scrimmage, which helped temper the damage, but FSU went three-and-out on its first three possessions, plagued by drops and a lack of rhythm. Kaaya exploited a lack of pressure from the FSU DL, picking apart the Florida State secondary, especially its linebackers, who struggled in coverage.

A big run from Dalvin Cook provided the Seminoles’ lone first-half touchdown, behind a revamped FSU line featuring Cam Erving at center and true freshman Roderick Johnson at left tackle. Many have gossiped about the possibility of this adjustment coming to fruition, given FSU’s weakness at the center position, and the change served the ‘Noles well, as Florida State allowed just one sack of Winston, who was nevertheless out-passed by Kaaya. The Miami signal-caller finished with a better passer rating (138.7-123.4) than Winston, as well as more passing yardage (316-304). It felt like a bigger gap, but FSU trailed just 23-10 at the half.

Still, the change in the FSU OL was obvious and paid dividends. The interior line was caved in much less often than in previous games, and Winston’s mistakes were more a product of wanting too much too quickly, along with some miscommunications (and drops) by receivers.

Despite a second-half fumble, Dalvin Cook continues to assert himself as the Seminoles’ most dangerous running back, as he carried the ball seven times for 92 yards (a 13.1 YPC average) and two touchdowns. He’s simply more explosive than anyone else in the FSU backfield at this point, as his scoring runs came from 44 and 26 yards, respectively, the latter being the game winner with just over two minutes to play.

Winston, who completed passes to just four different receivers against Virginia, connected with 10 different ‘Noles against Miami, one of which was a tipped pass that fell into Karlos Williams’ hands for the Seminoles’ penultimate TD, in the third quarter.

With the ‘Noles up 30-26 and Miami driving late, Ramsey, who played a masterful game, intercepted Kaaya to close this one out. And FSU escaped, yet again, with a win.

More from Chop Chat

• FSU football: Q&A with Clemson experts at Rubbing The Rock 2023
• FSU football: 3 reasons Noles beat Clemson, two reasons they lose
• FSU football: QB Brock Glenn out with an injury for ‘a few weeks’
• FSU football: Which TV announcers will call Clemson game?
• FSU football: Is Jared Verse ready to make an impact versus Clemson?

FSU continues to start slowly on defense, but the ‘Noles did not allow a second-half touchdown, and that proved good enough for a Florida State squad that has now won a school and nation-best 26 straight games. FSU hasn’t lost in Miami since 2004.

Up next for the ‘Noles is a Saturday home contest again Boston College.