FSU football: 5 keys to defeating Miami Hurricanes in 2023
By Kelvin Hunt
![TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: Chief Osceola of the Florida State Seminoles prior to their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: Chief Osceola of the Florida State Seminoles prior to their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0b41bae75b90ed4fdbb9b877ea34af627f364b140df556690f83b601d4ce7f1b.jpg)
Limit Missed Tackles
Miami will likely attempt to establish its running game, and they have solid running backs that run hard and physically. FSU defenders will need to bring their hard hat and stay ready to lay the wood, especially the linebackers.
They can’t afford to guess the wrong gaps and attempt to arm-tackle Miami running backs. FSU defensive linemen will need to get penetration and clog up the running lanes, and keep their linebackers clean as they look to come downhill.
Miami will look to hit some comeback routes through the air in one-on-one coverage that can make it easy for wide receivers to slip tackles. They run a ton of bunch sets that put defenders in traffic and make it difficult to make tackles at times.
FSU defensive backs will need to play with toughness and fight to shed blocks so they can square up on Miami receivers because missed tackles on these plays can go for big gains.
In short, they need to make Miami earn every single yard.