FSU football: Top 10 most important wins in Mike Norvell era

Miami 2021

When talking about important wins, the 2021 win over Miami can't be overstated. FSU didn't have much to brag about heading into this game. They had lost back-to-back games against Clemson and NC State. They played hard in those games but came up short against a more talented Clemson team, and half of the team was sick with COVID against NC State. Miami had found new life with quarterback Tyle Van Dyke, as the Canes beat two ranked teams in back-to-back weeks and beat Georgia Tech before traveling to Tallahassee. It looked like two teams traveling in opposite directions. However, Jordan Travis and the offense opened a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter and led 20-7 at halftime.

Miami stormed back in the second half with some luck on a tipped pass. They eventually took a 28-20 lead early in the fourth quarter. I'll never forget Manny Diaz instructing his guys to act like hooligans at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, FSU clawed back to make it 28-23 with about five minutes remaining to convert the infamous 4th and 14 play before scoring the eventual game-winning touchdown. It was the first time FSU had beaten Miami since 2016 and the start of its current three-game winning streak against them. It also provided Jermaine Johnson's performance, which was one for the ages in the rivalry.