In a rivalry as old as it is fierce, the Miami Hurricanes stormed through Florida State with relentless purpose, a force of nature crashing into their hated rivals with unyielding power and precision. Under the bright lights and humid skies, Miami claimed victory not with flashy plays or aerial heroics, but with the gritty, grounded style that embodies the spirit of “The U.” The Canes chose to wear the all black Miami nights uniform in a homecoming weekend primetime matchup that was appropriate for the funeral of Chief Osceola. It also happened to be Coach Mario Cristobal’s first win over his archrival as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes.
Tales of the Game
From the opening whistle, the Hurricanes’ running game took charge, pounding through Florida State’s defense with an unwavering rhythm. Mark Fletcher and Damien Martinez were unstoppable—twin juggernauts whose feet thundered against the turf, slicing through tackles and breaking into the open field. Miami’s offensive line, fierce and unbreakable, became a wall of strength, driving the Seminoles back, step by painful step. Run after punishing run, the Hurricanes moved forward, every yard won with grit and determination. It was not just football; it was a statement.
Many fans were frustrated with the game. They wanted revenge for the 45-3 debacle from Mario’s first season as head coach. They wanted to embarrass FSU. They wanted to stomp on their necks in the first quarter. They wanted a mercy rule running clock. They wanted blood.
Fans were expecting to see Cam Ward throw for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns, but FSU was never going to allow that. They sat back in 2 deep coverage all game and bracketed Restrepo in man coverage. They mauled and mugged him the whole game to make sure that he was not the one who would beat them. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes ground game was grinding them up like minced meat. Allowing 230 yards rushing and 36 points in a game that had very limited possessions is hardly a good day at the office.
The Miami offense showed the patience necessary to win games like this. Where a defense tries to frustrate an offense by playing bend don’t break and forcing the team to have to put together double-digit play drives every time to score. You don’t want to get sliced by air raid bombardments? Fine, we will run the ball down your throats and score points on almost every drive. It’s pick your poison and both strands are lethal.
Solid Defensive Effort
As Miami controlled the ground, their defense became a proverbial fortress, as unyielding as it was relentless. Florida State’s impotent offense was contained to a measly token 14 points. Miami’s front line disrupted every attempt, while the secondary blanketed their receivers, leaving no space for escape. This was a pleasant development considering how poor Miami’s pass defense has been this season.
Tackles were ferocious, delivered with a controlled fury that defined Miami’s defensive style—a style built not just to win but to overwhelm the Seminoles. Florida State had to resort to gimmicks by throwing in their running freshman quarterback Kromenhoeck to run a modern version of old school option football. The rookie triggerman ended up with more yards running (71) than he had throwing (61).
Every time Florida State sought to build momentum, Miami’s defenders would descend, their speed and physicality a wall of force that crushed the Seminoles’ hopes of a comeback. Miami’s defense racked up sacks, tackles for loss, and countless hurried throws, smothering any spark the Seminoles tried to ignite.
By the final whistle, Miami’s dominance was undeniable. The scoreboard told one story, but the bruises and battered spirit of their rivals told another. Miami had owned this game, not just by putting points on the board but by dictating every moment, every play. It was a victory in the truest sense: not only did Miami win, but they also covered the 21.5 point spread in a rivalry game. It was a game where the Hurricanes’ strength, precision, and discipline reminded all of college football that The U is built on power, pride, and a tradition of winning battles in the trenches.
The Hurricanes left the field as victors, a team united, driven, and determined. Their ground game had worn down the Seminoles, their defense had decimated Florida State’s confidence, and with every down and every yard, Miami had shown that this rivalry still belongs to those who fight hardest and hold nothing back. Miami is now undefeated and tied for first place in the ACC while their hated rivals are now 1-7 and openly debating if they should fire the head coach that they just signed to a big money extension. My oh my, how one year can change things. Go Canes!
