Rivalry Renewed as 12th Ranked Florida State Hosts Miami

Florida State's head coach Jimbo Fisher, center, talks with his players during a time out during an NCAA college football game with South Florida, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State won the game 34-14. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon) — Florida State’s head coach Jimbo Fisher, center, talks with his players during a time out during an NCAA college football game with South Florida, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State won the game 34-14. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)

The Florida State Seminoles (4-0) and the Miami Hurricanes (3-1) will meet for the 60^th time in the history of the two storied programs this Saturday from Doak Campbell Stadium. The recent history of the rivalry, however, has been very one-sided. The Seminoles have won five straight games against the Hurricanes, and 8 of the last 10 encounters between the two teams.

For Miami senior defensive back Tracy Howard, it’s his last chance to beat FSU before he graduates.

“Oh yea it would mean a lot to me,” (to beat Florida State) said Howard when asked about the rivalry. “I’m definitely looking forward to Saturday.”

This is also a highly anticipated game for the Seminole players, many of whom grew up with this rivalry. Kicker Roberto Aguayo shared that he and his brother used to recreate the missed field goal from Miami’s 28-27 win against Florida State back in 2002.

For Miami Head Football coach Al Golden, however, this particular edition of the rivalry may just hold even more importance.

Miami head coach Al Golden gestures during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

The Hurricanes are coming off a difficult 34 to 23 loss to Cincinnati, and many have speculated that his job will be in jeopardy should his team lose on Saturday.

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said he “doesn’t listen to what people say about other head coaches.” Fisher believes that Golden is a “heck of a head coach” and that his teams are always “well-prepared and play hard.”

The main concern for the Seminoles coming into Saturday’s game is the health of running back Dalvin Cook, who injured his hamstring in last week’s win against Wake Forest. Cook has been the primary offensive threat for Florida State so far this season, who is averaging 142.5 yards rushing per game. Cook is still listed as day-to-day.

FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2015, file photo, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook (4) tries to outrun Boston College defensive back Justin Simmons (27) and defensive back John Johnson (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boston. Florida State's Dalvin Cook and Miami's Joseph Yearby are the top two running backs in the Atlantic Coast Conference who once shared the same backfield at Miami Central High School. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) — FILE – In this Sept. 18, 2015, file photo, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook (4) tries to outrun Boston College defensive back Justin Simmons (27) and defensive back John Johnson (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boston. Florida State’s Dalvin Cook and Miami’s Joseph Yearby are the top two running backs in the Atlantic Coast Conference who once shared the same backfield at Miami Central High School. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

If Cook is not at full strength, the Seminoles will have to rely more on quarterback Everett Golson and second-leading rusher Mario Pender.

The Hurricanes offense will in all likelihood revolve around sophomore quarterback Brad Kaaya, who has thrown for 1,094 yards this season, while throwing five touchdown passes and one interception.

The game is set to take place this Saturday at 8:00 PM from Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Coverage of the game can be seen on ABC.

To listen to audio from this story, see the links below.

Roberto Aguayo on being involved in the rivalry from a young age

Jimbo Fisher’s thoughts on Al Golden

Miami CB Tracy Howard on playing FSU

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