Can Florida State Save Its Season With a Miami Upset?

Can Mike Norvell and Tony White silence their critics by leading Florida State to an upset of undefeated No. 4 Miami and get its first road win in nearly three years?

The Seminoles had a golden opportunity to end the streak against Louisville in Week 6 but failed miserably, surrendering 537 total yards, including 397 on the ground.

After taking an early 14-0 lead, Florida State surrendered 35 unanswered points in a 44-20 loss that dropped the Seminoles to 3-3.

The loss added pressure on the coaching staff to bring Florida State back to national relevance.

Norvell won't let that distract him with the Seminoles on the road for the second straight week, looking for their first road win since November 2023.

"If I get distracted in trying to defend myself or tell you every reason why things happen, then I'm wasting time," Norvell said.

Staying focused shouldn't be difficult, with the Seminoles facing undefeated Miami.

The Hurricanes have the fourth-best odds to win the national championship at +700, and their closest game this season was a 13-point victory over Wake Forest.

Miami’s offense ranks first nationally in points per game (49.6) and completion percentage (83%) and ranks second in passing touchdowns per game (3.6).

The Hurricanes also rank fifth in passing yards per game (334.4) and average 6.2 yards per rushing attempt.

Their balanced attack has helped them rank second nationally in total offense, averaging 554.8 yards per game.

Defensively, Miami has been just as dominant, ranking tied for first nationally in opponent rushing yards per game (42.6) and points allowed per game (9.8).

The Hurricanes also rank first in opponent yards per rushing attempt (1.8) and fifth in total yards allowed per game (249.6).

Facing their biggest challenge of the season, Florida State must do something it has yet to accomplish this year: play a complete game.

To pull off the upset, the Seminoles must pressure Miami’s quarterback and get a much-needed performance from Ashton Daniels through the air.

Florida State’s defense must pressure Mensah

Florida State allows 410.2 yards per game, ranking 122nd nationally. Against one of the country’s most productive offenses, the Seminoles will need their best defensive performance of the season.

In their win over Virginia, Florida State lived in the backfield, recording 10 sacks and making Beau Pribula uncomfortable throughout the game.

The Seminoles will need a similar performance against Darian Mensah.

Mensah has completed 84.2% of his passes for 1,438 yards, 15 touchdowns and zero interceptions this season.

If Florida State gives him time, Miami could turn the game into another embarrassing loss for the Seminoles.

Chris Jones, Rylan Kennedy and Mandrell Desir must generate pressure and disrupt Miami's passing game.

Florida State invested in Desir, and this matchup is an opportunity for Desir to prove he was worth the investment.

Daniels needs to prove he can win with his arm.

Florida State’s offensive strength is its running game, which averages 187 yards and 2.7 touchdowns per game, along with 4.8 yards per carry, ranking 43rd, tied for 22nd and tied for 46th, respectively.

However, Miami ranks first nationally in opponent rushing yards per game and yards per rushing attempt, making it difficult for Florida State to rely on its biggest offensive strength.

The Hurricanes’ dominance against the run could force the Seminoles to lean on the passing game, putting pressure on Daniels to make throws and avoid costly turnovers.

That presents a massive challenge.

Florida State ranks 101st nationally in completion percentage (59.6%) and tied for 92nd in passing touchdowns per game (1.3). Daniels has struggled to find consistency through the air, posting an 8:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

"We've just got to do a better job of making sure that we have urgency when he gets outside the pocket,” OC Tim Harris.

If Florida State hopes to upset Miami, Daniels needs to protect the football and capitalize on opportunities in the air.

The Seminoles cannot afford to give the ball back to a Miami offense that has been one of the best in college football.

Norvell needs Daniels to deliver the kind of performance he believed the quarterback could provide when he brought him to Tallahassee.

For Norvell and White, this is more than another game. It is a chance to quiet critics, change the narrative, and show they can still lead Florida State forward.

Against an undefeated Miami team, the Seminoles cannot afford another incomplete performance. 

A loss would intensify calls for a coaching change, while an upset could mark a turning point for a program searching for answers.