The 2016 FSU-Miami Game Just Became the Most Important Under Jimbo

Ahead of the 61st meeting between FSU and Miami, we break down why this year’s game may be the most important 60 minutes under head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Saturday night shortly after 8 PM, the Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes will meet on the field of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for the 61st time. As it turns out, the events of the first month of the season have made it more important than any other game in the 6+ seasons under head coach Jimbo Fisher.

That’s right – more important than any previous game against rivals, ACC Championship Games or even the national title win over Auburn.

It isn’t because this Miami team is so much better than the Seminoles (quite frankly, the 2010 and 2013 ‘Canes were light years better talent wise). It isn’t because the ‘Noles are looking for a run at another conference crown or national title, because that ship sailed when North Carolina hit a 54-yard field goal last weekend.

This game just became the most important because of what the future holds for the Seminoles – both this season and in the years to come. As FSU comes into South Florida with a 3-2 record (the first time they’ve had two losses this early since the 2011 season), this game has become even more than just being about beating a hated rival.

If the Seminoles lose…

It goes without saying or appearing to be an alarmist that a loss to the Hurricanes could completely knock the wheels off the season. With games still to play against Clemson and Florida at home and a road trip to the house of horrors known as N.C. State, a loss to Miami could have the ‘Noles staring down the barrel of a 6-6 campaign.

A .500 finish to the season – one that started with many thinking the Seminoles would be in the playoff running – would completely eliminate the capital FSU won during that 2013 national title season.

The conference crowns, national awards, winning streak that spanned three seasons…none of that will matter anymore if the ‘Noles are needing to win a bowl game just to avoid their first losing season since 1976.

If the Seminoles win…

With the ACC title and College Football Playoff likely out of the picture (although you can never say never), the Seminoles are looking for anything to strive for in order to turn around what has been a major letdown during the season’s first month.

After Miami, the two toughest games left on paper are being played at home – Clemson and Florida. While the nation’s longest win streak is no more in Tallahassee, the ‘Noles love having both of those teams coming for a visit.

Right now, FSU football has NO momentum going in their favor. With a defense that as allowed an average of 45 points the last three games, the ‘Noles need something – ANYTHING – to turn things around. A win over a good Miami football team (and a future NFL quarterback) could do plenty give the Seminoles a boost and remind them they are one of the nation’s top teams.

If there was ever a must win game in the 6+ seasons since Fisher has been roaming the sidelines, we are going to see it Saturday. He’s not just coaching for another state title or a 10 win season – he may be coaching for his legacy as a head coach and trying to prove the 2013 team wasn’t a one hit wonder.