Recent dominance over Florida and Florida State, combined with superior all-time records, suggests a power shift as the Miami Hurricanes assert control over the state's fierce gridiron rivalries.
Miami, Fla. – When discussing high-level college football in the state of Florida, it really comes down to three programs: the Florida State Seminoles, Florida Gators, and Miami Hurricanes. Each has won at least three National Championships, plus several stars and Pro Football Hall of Famers have stepped onto campuses.
However, one thing is for sure: they strongly dislike each other.
The lifelong rivalries within the Sunshine State are arguably the best in all of college football. Whenever they face off during the season, history and bragging rights are at stake. Despite neither program having won a National Championship in over a decade–the last being the Seminoles in 2013–the Hurricanes might have the edge over them.
Last college football season, the University of Miami faced both in-state rivals and dominated.
First was against the Gators at Hard Rock Stadium. Despite dealing with slippery, rainy weather, it didn’t stop the Hurricanes from splashing through the end zone three times, all scored by running backs Mark Fletcher Jr. and ChaMar Brown.
The Hurricanes’ defense dominated, holding the Gators to 141 total yards. Quarterback DJ Lagway only completed 12 of 23 passes and was sacked four times, two of which came from blitzes. Veteran linebacker Mohamed Toure led the Hurricanes with 10 total tackles, including five solos and five assists.
It was a 26-7 victory for the Hurricanes before having to face the Seminoles the following week. It was the first time coach Mario Cristobal and the team played on the road, but there’s arguably no greater test in the regular season than dealing with a rival and a hostile environment. The Hurricanes answered the call with a 28-22 victory.
It was local star Malachi Toney’s breakout game, catching seven passes for 107 yards, scoring two touchdowns, both at least 40 yards. Quarterback Carson Beck completed 20 of 27 passes and threw for 241 yards and four touchdowns. Two Hurricanes defensive backs, Keionte Scott and Zechariah Poyser, led the game in tackles–combining for 19 total.
The University of Miami currently holds the all-time records against both Florida and Florida State. In the previous 10 regular-season meetings, the Hurricanes are 7-3 over the Gators and 6-4 over the Seminoles. Plus, they are the latest program to reach a National Championship game.
Rivalries always matter, especially when it’s within the same state.
The Hurricanes are trending higher compared to the Gators and Seminoles. Although basketball and baseball have a fair share of bragging rights spread around, Florida football is currently running through the Coral Gables campus.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
