FSU football: 3 keys to Noles defeating Miami Hurricanes in 2021
By Kelvin Hunt
Win 1-on-1 in Secondary
Miami’s running game doesn’t scare me that much, although Knighton can be explosive. They average 3.97 yards per carry but struggle to run the ball between the tackles.
Most of their production from Knighton comes on outside zone runs. However, the vertical passing game is where they do the most damage. Tyler Van Dyke has a strong arm and one receiver in particular, (Rambo) who does a great job of winning 50/50 balls.
Mike Harley and Xavier Restrepo have been productive and will be factors to contend with as well. Restrepo will be a matchup problem in the slot with FSU linebackers, as well as Knighton out of the backfield.
The 50/50 ball is an area FSU defensive backs have struggled with for much of the year, although most of those issues side with Travis Jay and Jarrian Jones. I like Kevin Knowles on Restrepo, and I’d imagine Jarvis Brownlee will match up with Rambo whenever he can.
Miami likes to hand the ball off like a running play and then flip the ball back to the QB for a vertical shot downfield. I’ve seen them do this several times this year, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
If FSU can limit the big passing plays, I think that’ll limit Miami’s offense enough for the Noles to pull a win. It’s similar to the approach with UNC and Sam Howell.
I’d rather Knighton have a big game on the ground averaging five yards per carry, as opposed to Van Dyke completing passes 20+ yards down the field.