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.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Miami Dolphins are signing wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. off the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, bringing a familiar face back to South Florida.

Dolphins Sign Cedrick Wilson Jr.

Wilson previously spent two seasons with Miami (2022–2023), recording 34 receptions for 432 yards and three touchdowns. With Tyreek Hill sidelined by injury, Wilson will provide valuable depth to a wide receiver room now led by Jaylen Waddle, alongside Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Dee Eskridge and Tahj Washington.

Waddle recently pointed to Theo Wease Jr.–a preseason standout currently on the practice squad–as a potential contributor, but Wilson’s addition gives the Dolphins an experienced target who will join the active roster immediately.

The 6-foot-2 receiver brings size and system familiarity, having already developed chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. While Waddle is expected to shoulder the primary workload in Hill’s absence, Miami will lean on Achane, Waller and the supporting cast to help keep the passing attack balanced.

This move marks a timely reunion that could prove critical as the Dolphins look to maintain offensive rhythm without their All-Pro wideout.

The Dolphins finally got their first win of the season, but it did not come easy, and it did not come without a cost. Miami edged the Jets 27–21 at Hard Rock Stadium, finally showing some of the balance and resilience fans have been waiting for, only to see Tyreek Hill leave with what appeared to be a knee dislocation.

For the first time all year, Miami’s defense made its presence felt on the turnover sheet. Entering the game with zero takeaways, the unit forced three fumbles against New York, a much-needed spark that kept the Jets from ever seizing full control despite running the ball at will.

Because that is still the glaring issue: the run defense. The Jets gashed Miami for 197 yards on the ground at 7.0 yards per carry, with Justin Fields (81 yards, 43-yard TD) and Breece Hall (81 yards) both breaking chunk plays. The Dolphins may have forced turnovers, but they continue to bleed yardage between the tackles and on the edge.

On the offensive side, Mike McDaniel kept the plan simple and stuck to the run. De’Von Achane carried it 20 times for 99 yards and a score, keeping the offense steady even as Tyreek went down. Tua Tagovailoa was not asked to do too much, but when he did throw, he was sharp, completing 17 of 25 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns, both to Darren Waller in the red zone.

The Jets, for their part, looked dangerous at times. Fields was efficient through the air (20/27, 226 yards, 1 TD, no picks) and showed flashes with his legs. Hall was a dual threat, piling up over 140 total yards. But the three fumbles doomed New York, and Miami capitalized just enough, especially on the Jets 13 penalties for 101 yards, to protect its slim lead down the stretch.

So, the Dolphins got what they desperately needed: a win. They got their first turnovers of the year. They found an offensive rhythm by leaning on the run game. But they also gave up nearly 200 rushing yards and may have lost their most explosive player in the process.

The question now is whether this is a turning point or just a brief reprieve before things get tougher without Tyreek.

The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a familiar yet troubling position—sitting at 0-3 after devastating losses to the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders. With the franchise’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread and coach Mike McDaniel facing mounting pressure, Miami desperately needs tactical adjustments to turn their season around.

The Dolphins have struggled on both sides of the ball through their first three contests. Offensively, they’ve managed just 56 points total while surrendering 97 to opponents. Tua Tagovailoa has thrown four interceptions against five touchdown passes, completing 69.7% of his attempts for 575 yards. Perhaps most concerning is Miami’s inability to establish any rhythm, averaging just 18.7 points per game—ranking 25th in the NFL.

As Miami prepares for their crucial Monday Night Football clash against the New York Jets, bettors looking to capitalize on potential turnaround narratives should consider different promotional incentives such as the DraftKings promo code to maximize their opportunities on what could be a season-defining contest for both AFC East rivals.

1. Unleash the No-Huddle Attack

McDaniel must immediately implement more no-huddle packages to help Tagovailoa find his rhythm and prevent opposing defenses from making adjustments. The Dolphins quarterback has historically thrived in uptempo situations, and the no-huddle approach could mask some of the offensive line’s protection issues that have plagued Miami early this season.

Through three games, Miami has converted just 19 of 35 third-down attempts (54.3%), a concerning drop from their previous efficiency. The no-huddle can create shorter third-down situations and keep Tagovailoa in advantageous down-and-distance scenarios where his quick release becomes an asset rather than a necessity.

2. Target Cleveland’s Secondary Vulnerabilities

While the Browns boast the league’s top-ranked defense allowing just 204.3 yards per game, they’ve shown exploitable weaknesses in their pass coverage. Cleveland has registered only one takeaway through three games, suggesting their secondary might be ripe for exploitation by Miami’s speed merchants Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Hill has managed 198 yards on 15 receptions through three games despite the offensive struggles. The Browns’ tendency to focus on stopping the run (they rank third in sacks with 11) could leave favorable matchups in the secondary, particularly if McDaniel can devise quick-hitting routes that neutralize Cleveland’s pass rush advantage.

3. Maximize De’Von Achane’s Efficiency

Despite Miami’s overall offensive woes, De’Von Achane has maintained respectable production with 147 yards on 30 carries (4.9 yards per attempt). However, McDaniel isn’t maximizing Achane’s explosive potential that made him a standout rookie in 2023 when he averaged 7.8 yards per carry.

The key lies in getting Achane more touches in space and utilizing his receiving ability. Last season, Achane caught 87 passes and proved equally dangerous as a pass-catcher. With Miami’s offensive line struggling in pass protection, screens and swing routes to Achane could provide the quick-hitting plays needed to control tempo while leveraging his game-breaking speed.

4. Address Third-Down Defensive Breakdowns

Miami’s defense has been historically poor on third down, allowing opponents to convert at alarming rates. Against Buffalo, the Bills converted 10 of 15 third-down attempts, including several crucial third-and-long situations that kept drives alive. The Dolphins rank 32nd in total defense, surrendering 435 rushing yards and 715 passing yards through three games.

McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver must implement more aggressive third-down packages, potentially bringing additional pass rushers to create pressure while disguising coverage looks. The current passive approach has allowed opposing offenses to methodically move down the field, contributing to Miami’s -5 turnover differential.

5. Establish Early-Down Running Identity

Perhaps the most glaring tactical error in McDaniel’s approach has been abandoning the running game in favor of his preferred passing concepts. Through three games, Miami has rushed just 48 times compared to 89 passing attempts—a concerning imbalance for a team that claimed to prioritize physicality during the offseason.

The Dolphins must commit to establishing Achane and the ground game early in drives, particularly against a Browns defense that has shown vulnerability against the run despite their overall statistical dominance. Cleveland allowed 155 rushing yards to Quinton Judkins in their recent victory over Green Bay, suggesting opportunities exist for a more balanced offensive attack.

McDaniel’s willingness to adapt his system will ultimately determine whether Miami can salvage their season. The talent exists—Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, and Achane form a formidable offensive core—but the tactical deployment must evolve. With the Jets looming on Monday night, followed by challenging matchups against Carolina and the Chargers, the Dolphins cannot afford to wait any longer for these adjustments.

The franchise’s playoff drought threatens to extend into a fourth consecutive season without these immediate tactical shifts. McDaniel’s reputation as an offensive innovator hangs in the balance, making Week 4 not just about ending the losing streak, but proving his system can adapt when adversity strikes.