Florida State prepares for their first in-state rivalry game against the Miami Hurricanes.
It’s time, fans, devoted, sports fanatics, and aficionados. The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles (9-0, 7-0 ACC) take on the Miami Hurricanes (6-3, 2-3 ACC) this Saturday in one of college football’s most heated rivalries. No one should be surprised by the classic rivalry, as tensions will be high inside Tallahassee.
The Seminoles are coming off a hard-fought 24-7 win over the Pittsburgh Panthers to earn a spot in the ACC Championship Game. After falling to NC State 20-6 a week ago, Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes will travel to Doak Campbell Stadium.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell met with the media on Monday to discuss last week’s triumph over Pitt and to predict what the Seminoles will face this Saturday in their first in-state rivalry of the season.
“This is what college football is all about, one of the greatest games this country has,” he remarked. “I mean, this is a huge contest for our football team, and everything we’ve done throughout the course of the year is to prepare you for this moment, for this week, for what we we’re going to go do and what we’re going to accomplish.”
Doak Campbell Stadium is once again sold out for the game, and despite the 3:30 p.m. kickoff time, excitement builds for what could be a thrilling contest.
“There’s a lot of buzz about our program. Yesterday was a fantastic workday for the guys. “This is one of those games that we talk about at the start of spring practice, January workouts, and the start of fall camp; it’s a critical game for our program, for our university, and one that our guys will remember for the rest of their lives,” Norvell added. “I am honored for the opportunity to be a part of it, and I’m excited about the week that’s ahead and just all things that come around with this game.”
After thanking the Seminoles’ fan base for their ‘amazing support’ in back-to-back road games, Norvell delved deeper into the Miami game and the talent FSU will face on Saturday.
“I mean, it’s a talented group of people.” Every year we’ve played them, they’ve been and will continue to be a talented squad. It’s one of the reasons that makes this rivalry so exciting because there will be so much skill on the field. It all comes down to execution, physicality, responsiveness, toughness, and other factors, and it all comes down to a couple of plays.”
Last season, FSU thrashed the Hurricanes 45-3 in Miami, but that’s how rivalries go, and this game will be no different. Florida State is presently a two-point favorite over the Hurricanes, but things may not be as simple this time.
“You look at the matchup and how everything is going to play out. I’m delighted to be a part of it because it could all come down to one-on-one meetings. “They’re doing an outstanding job defensively this year; statistically, it’s one of the best defenses in the country,” Norvell said. “They’re going to attack and show you a multitude of fronts.”
Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has 2,057 yards and 16 touchdowns to 11 interceptions on the season. Three of those interceptions came last week against NC State, but he remains a threat in rhythm and with the appropriate play-calling.
“They’re a very talented offensive group.” “I saw him a couple of years ago, he was the conference freshman of the year, and so you see the talent that he has,” Norvell said of Van Dyke. “He’s been projected as a first-round pick for the last few years, so he’s got ability and talent.” You examine the receiving corps, including who they have and what they do. I believe that position has increased for them over the last few years.”
Watch Norvell and the Seminoles take on the Hurricanes at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 11. The game will be televised on ABC.
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