Miami’s Offense Could Potentially Run Over Seminoles Defense

In two road losses this season to Alabama and Louisville, the Florida State defense has given up 1,104 total yards of offense, including 644 yards rushing, and 94 points.

Now, they must go on the road again to take on No. 3 Miami (5-0) on Saturday, Oct. 17. The Hurricanes have the No. 1 ranked offense in college football.

In both of those road losses, the Seminoles had a two-score lead before their defense faltered and allowed their opponents to come back and win the game handily.

Miami has averaged 554 yards of total offense per game this season, and is scoring 49 points per game. They move the ball downfield at an efficient 8.21 yards per play.

The Hurricanes have dominated every opponent they have faced this season. Their closest win was on the road against Wake Forest in a 33-20 victory.

Quarterback Darian Mensah leads the Miami offense and leads the ACC with 15 touchdown passes and no interceptions.

Receiver Malachi Toney leads the ACC with 120 receiving yards per game. Toney has caught 39 passes, 604 yards, and six touchdowns through five games.

Florida State is not good at defending the pass. They have allowed 244 yards passing per contest and have intercepted just three passes. The Seminoles have not picked off a pass in the last four weeks.

Miami has only allowed five sacks all season, so the Seminoles could find the going tough trying to put pressure on Mensah and disrupt their potent passing attack.

Coming off yet another disappointing road loss at Louisville, the Seminoles defense gave up 44 points, 397 yards rushing, six touchdowns, and 9.23 yards per carry.

Florida State could only muster one sack and four tackles for loss, which contributed to the big game turned in by Louisville running back Isaac Brown who rushed for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

The Hurricanes top two rushers, Mark Fletcher and Javian Mallory, have combined for 596 yards and eight touchdowns through their five games. 

Florida State has the dubious honor of posting 11 true road losses over the past two and half seasons under head coach Mike Norvell.

Currently in his seventh season, Norvell has led Florida State to six losing seasons.

Early betting odds show the Hurricanes as a -21.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel.

The pressure on Norvell is intense, as well as it is and the Seminoles. Norvell’s coaching seat has been reduced to ashes for some time now.

Another road loss at the hands of Miami would be another nail in the coaching coffin for Norvell.

How long the death knell will sound for Norvell’s coaching tenure at Florida State, before the administration takes action, is anyone’s guess.