Earlier this week, we wrote that FSU's loss to Virginia last week, before the Miami game, could have been a blessing in disguise. As we get closer to the Miami game, it seems like all of the pressure is on the Miami Hurricanes for several reasons.
The Canes came into the preseason with lofty expectations, probably unwarranted, considering they lost a ton from last year’s team and didn’t even make the ACC Championship game or College Football Playoff.
They have a solid win over a Notre Dame team in the season opener, and have somehow been catapulted to No. 3 nationally. FSU wasn’t ranked in the preseason, coming off a two-win season, and the expectation was that they needed to win eight games with their schedule.
Mario Cristobal has yet to win anything at Miami, despite consistently recruiting highly ranked high school classes each year. FSU has won three of the last four against the Canes and will be betting underdogs on Saturday night. Miami fans have been barking loudly over the past few weeks, but it definitely feels like the loud guy running his mouth before a fight. You know, the one that normally gets knocked out.
Related Story: Score/Predictions for Miami vs. FSU matchup
FSU losing last week took some of the pressure off of trying to remain undefeated. Don’t get me wrong, FSU wants to win the game to derail Miami’s goals, but it seems most casual fans have chalked this game up as a Miami win.
If FSU loses, it'll suck, but that was the expectation from most. However, winning eight games or more is still realistic, and enough for Mike Norvell to build towards the future.
If FSU gets out to an early lead or leads at halftime, the pressure will continue to mount for the Canes. If FSU is down 17-14 at halftime, that's like a win, because it's a one possession game.
FSU has responded to some adversity already this season. It'll be interesting to see how MIami responds when it comes. Will they fold like so many Mario Cristobal led teams over the year?