Florida State Seminoles quarterback Thomas Castellanos (1) runs the ball during the first half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Doak S. Campbell Stadium earlier this season. [Melina Myers-Imagn Images]

Miami Plays FSU in Battle for Sunshine State Supremacy

No. 3 Miami opens its ACC schedule Saturday when the Hurricanes play Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee for what promises to define which football program runs the state of Florida.

For Gators fans, this matchup is the ghost of football past and future. Florida football is out of the picture with a 1-3 record. Miami beat both the Gators and USF Bulls by double digits earlier this season. The Hurricanes (4-0) coming out on top Saturday would provide hope for the Gators’ odds when the Seminoles (3-1, 0-1 ACC) come to The Swamp in November.

FSU’s season opener shocked Associated Press poll voters by beating Alabama 31-17, propelling it to No. 14 from an unranked-preseason position. After reaching a season-high No. 8, the Seminoles lost to a then-unranked Virginia team. FSU fell to No. 18 as a result. Beating Miami means recovering its acclaim in the ACC and the national conversation.

Quarterback Matchup

Miami quarterback Carson Beck has silenced doubts about his ability to fill the gap in the offense left by former quarterback Cam Ward. Beck is a front-runner in the Heisman Trophy race. Beck has amassed seven touchdowns and 972 total yards through four games. Bettors have him at +900 to win the Heisman. Beck has silenced doubts about his ability to slide into the gap in the offense.

FSU’s Thomas Castellanos received early praise for his performance against Alabama. But, he recorded only one touchdown and two interceptions in last week’s loss to UVA. Compared to Beck, Castellanos has less pristine mechanics, completing only 64.3% of passes. As for scrambling ability, more than 40% of his third-down conversions have come with his legs.

A repeat of the start of the season might rejuvenate this FSU squad. Castellanos’ confidence and leadership ability might just be the thing to push the Seminoles to victory this weekend.

“I think we needed it,” Castellanos said after FSU’s loss. “I think guys were riding high and were kinda feeling ourselves. Little adversity. We’ll respond and bounce back from here.”

Keys to the Game

FSU

Castellanos to Squirrel White connection: The usually solid passing game to White struggled against UVA, and there were questions about White’s health following UVA students rushing the field. Their connection could help win the game.
Firing early: The ‘Canes can take a moment to get their bearings. If the Seminoles offensive line can score early and force Beck to play without momentum, the odds swing in their favor.

Miami

Defensive consistency: The Seminoles have only allowed two sacks this season; run that number up and keep Beck in the pocket.

My Prediction: Miami is the 4.5-point favorite vs. Florida State. However, Castellanos is at his best when there is something to prove. Anything can happen in a rivalry game of this magnitude, and I think the Seminoles will come out on top in this battle for Sunshine State prestige. Florida State 31, Miami 27.

Category: College Football