Miami vs. Florida State: Top 25 Showdown at Doak Campbell

Tallahassee, Florida — October 4th, at 7:30 p.m., under the lights at Doak Campbell Stadium. The No. 3 ranked Miami Hurricanes will make the hike up to Tallahassee to face their No. 18 ranked in-state rival. Saturday’s matchup is the 70th meeting between the teams and the first where both are ranked since October 8th, 2016, when the 23rd ranked Seminoles came to Miami Gardens and knocked off the No. 10 ranked Canes 20-19.

Miami leads the all-time series 36-33 and will look to leave the state capital with a huge win in their first conference game of the year. For the Noles, they look to bounce back after their double-overtime thriller against Virginia. Here is what to look for in Saturday’s primetime matchup.

For the Canes

The Miami Hurricanes come into the game 4-0 while sporting a top ten defense in the country. Miami’s defense is anchored by the front, led by Rueben Bain Jr., a surefire first-round pick and game wrecker, and Akheem Mesidor, who has 2.5 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. The defensive line has accrued 8 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and a whopping 70 pressures. This will be a tough test for FSU’s offensive line, and if Miami wants to win, they must dictate the game and stop FSU’s strong rushing attack.

Offensively, the Canes have displayed great balance. Carson Beck has formed a strong connection with Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels, the rushing attack is putting up 180.5 yards per game, and the Canes are averaging less than a turnover per game. The offense should be able to rely on Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown, as FSU just gave up 211 rushing yards to Virginia. However, FSU’s defense should bounce back at home.

The Canes’ balance on both sides of the ball and fierce defense will be their difference maker. It will also be essential to play mistake-free football. They cannot allow Florida State to control the clock, as the Seminoles have a dynamic offense that leads the FBS in points. Not counting the win over Bethune-Cookman, the Canes have won the time of possession battle each week, and they need to keep that formula.

For the Noles

The Seminoles are coming off their first conference game and first loss of the 2025 college football season. They are still a great story with the way they have bounced back after their abysmal 2024 campaign. Thomas Castellanos and the FSU transfers have created the highest-scoring offense in the FBS (albeit against two cupcake opponents) and have playmakers all over the field. Highlighted by Micahi Danzy and Duce Robinson, the Florida State offense is explosive and capable of controlling the clock, but it has a major turnover problem. FSU is averaging 1.5 turnovers per game and committed 3 in their loss to Virginia, which was ultimately the deciding factor. FSU’s newly constructed offensive line will be put to its biggest test when they face the Canes’ defensive front, and the Seminoles will need to hold on to the ball.

On defense, the Noles were embarrassed last week, giving up 46 points to Virginia. After a strong showing against Alabama, a bye week, and two cupcakes, FSU came out flat and it showed. The Seminoles gave up 440 yards, 211 of which came on the ground, and allowed Virginia to convert 7 of 13 third downs. True freshman DT Mandrell Desir is the X-factor in containing Miami’s rushing attack, as he ranks first in run stop rate (26.3 percent) and third in PFF run defense grade (90.2). The rest of the defense will need to keep up with his play along with the likes of Ja’Bril Rawls, Deante McCray, and Darrell Jackson Jr.

For FSU, it will be essential for the defensive intensity to return to that of opening week at home against Alabama. The team played cohesive, mistake-free football and was able to start the year with a bang. They now must repeat that formula to grab a top-five rivalry win.

Closing

Mike Norvell and Mario Cristobal have both been here before. Big game, under the lights, with the future of the season on the line. This Saturday, at 7:30 under the lights of an unhinged newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, a rivalry is renewed, legends are made, and another chapter of one of college football’s most storied rivalries is forever marked in history.