THE PLAYOFF
Florida State fans remember 2023 vividly. The season ended with one play against North Alabama. The Noles persevered and still won the ACC with Tate Rodemaker and Brock Glenn at the helm. Ironically, a second loss this season would put Florida State in a bid but would not be a season-ender. Even assuming Miami could be the best team in the ACC... how much can we trust Georgia Tech after having to be bailed out by the referees in Winston Salem? Seminole nemesis NC State already has two conference losses, including the most recent at home to Virginia Tech. Louisville struggled with a Pitt team that lost in Morgantown. Louisville is the only one of those teams not on the Seminole schedule, so if the Noles do their part, they put themselves in a conversation for a win and an opportunity in Charlotte in December. With twelve teams, you would think there is more room for error, but that is dependent on the team and the schedule that they play. FSU has the opening win against Alabama. A win versus Miami would solidify the Noles as one of the nation's best.
WE HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE
With the talent and speed on this team, FSU should be favored in every game the rest of the way, minus this Saturday. Currently, the Noles sit at number two in the nation in rushing at 336.2 yards per game. Additionally, they convert 58.8 percent of their third down conversions, which is good for fifth in the nation, according to ncaastats.com. The team also boasts a top 30 defense. The schedule can be viewed as an assist to those stats, but they show good habits and build confidence coming off a season like 2024. Reuben Bain Jr., of course, is the main concern. Knowing where he is on each play will be priority number one for the Noles' defense. On the other side of the ball, Miami will be incorporating JoJo Trader back into the offense. Florida State has to keep everything in front of them and not bite on play action and draws. You never want to lose, but there are historical precedents that show that last Friday Night did not tank Florida State's playoff chances.
Back in 2014, eventual National Champion Ohio State lost to a sub-500 Virginia Tech team. 2017, Alabama did not play in the SEC title game following a loss in the Iron Bowl. More recently, UGA lost to Alabama in the SEC Championship game in 2021 and won a rematch in the National Title Game. Finally, of course, there was last season where Ohio State lost not once but twice to include their regular season finale at home. The formula is simple. Win. A win over Miami could even possibly save the Noles if they slip up somewhere else. (Provided Virginia does not fall off a cliff). Win out… and the Noles will not require help from anyone. One bad result does not wipe out the improvements that we have seen this season.
THE FINAL SPEAR
It was undisciplined, frustrating, and showed a lack of preparation. The ACC Championship and College Football Playoff berth are still in sight. It all starts with turning the Hurricanes into a Depression. Carson Beck is a different player on the road than at home. It is easy to point out that this is Miami's first road game this season. That will be key in a night game, for a lot of players who do not understand the magnitude of this rivalry. Miami brings a vaunted rushing attack into Tallahassee, but the Noles have a creative offense that will keep the Miami defense on its toes. Expect a lot of misdirection and getting speed in space. Miami's pass rush could make for a long night, but Gus Malzahn has seen it all and is as creative as it gets. It is Miami Week! Now the season has officially started.