Miami Hurricanes Week 10 Preview: Florida State Seminoles

Miami, Florida – It’s Week 10 ladies and gentlemen, that means the Hurricanes play the Florida State Seminoles. The latest edition of an intense rivalry. It’s the date that’s circled on everybody’s calendars, a highly anticipated game in a long-standing intrastate competition. For some fans, winning this battle is more important than any other for the season. Heading into the contest Miami finds itself at .500 in what’s been a largely disappointing first year of the Mario Cristobal era. However, UM’s road win over Virginia can serve as a necessary springboard in potentially giving Cristobal a satisfying victory in his first Florida State Week as head coach.

What lies before them is no easy task. FSU QB Jordan Travis is another dual threat for the defense. Ranked second in the ACC for passing yards (2,057) Travis can also scramble. He’s got an excellent wide receiver in Arizona State transfer Johnny Wilson. Wilson has made 30 catches for 603 yards averaging roughly 20 yards per catch with 4 TDs to his name. The running game isn’t bad either as the Seminoles rely on a trio of backs that have made them the top rushing unit in the conference.

Miami and Florida State battle on Saturday night 🙌🍢

The Hurricanes lead the all-time series 35-31🚨

The Seminoles are currently a 7.5 point favorite this weekend.

Who wins this time around? pic.twitter.com/jhSwlaYV8M

— Saturday Gameday (@SaturdayGameday) November 3, 2022

On defense, there is lead tackler Jammie Robinson and his very talented teammate Jared Verse who could prove troublesome. Coming off their 41-16 thumping of Georgia Tech, the Noles are 7.5-point favorites. It may look hopeless for a Canes squad that’s been struggling offensively but if a trio of guys becomes available it can tip the scales. Let’s talk about the guys to watch in the upcoming matchup between the Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles.

FSU

Jordan Travis (QB) – Leading off with Florida State’s gunslinger, Jordan Travis put the hurt on Georgia Tech passing for a career-high 396 yards while matching his career mark of three touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets’ defense isn’t a pushover making Travis’ accomplishment that more potent. The signal-caller is pretty darn accurate with his throws as evidenced by the explosive plays he’s pulled off all year. Miami needs to pressure him as much as possible. However, even flushed out of the pocket, Travis has rushed for 215 yards this season.

Jordan Travis is out here slingin' dimes 🎯@jordantrav13 | @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/SWMp4t6pwE

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) October 29, 2022

Johnny Wilson (WR) – As Trey Benson hit the centennial mark with 111 yards on the ground, Johnny Wilson also did the same in the air. With three receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown, Wilson definitely made the most of his catches. Averaging an incredible 37 yards per catch against GT, this is pretty much as explosive playmaking as it gets. The talented sophomore out of Calabasas, California has a great dynamic with Travis and leads the team in receptions.

Johnny Wilson. Matchup nightmare. pic.twitter.com/uU728XyRyR

— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) October 31, 2022

Jammie Robinson (S) – The hard-hitting safety led the way last weekend with 10 tackles, three of them solo, and 1.5 tackles for loss. Good against the run and the pass, Jammie Robinson knows how to read the field. Robinson not only has speed but also great ball handling skills showing the capabilities of breaking up passing plays, thus far recording an interception in 2022. An aggressive defender, the junior excels in zone coverage.

I Can’t see my Momma Crying💯 Tf you think I’m doing this For? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/bsIImLeiPf

— jammie robinson (@JayRob_7) October 31, 2022

Jared Verse (DL) – A transfer from Albany, Jared Verse leads Florida State with 4.5 sacks. Recording 28 tackles, 13 of them solo, fans will remember that Verse ultimately chose FSU over Miami (and others). A skilled athlete capable of weaving past defenders, both UM’s O-line and QB face a very tough adversary. FSU’s frontline is nothing to sneeze at.

Jared Verse is feeling good ahead of Miami. #Noles pic.twitter.com/W9MqozTySY

— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) November 2, 2022

The U

Tyler Van Dyke (QB) – You’ll notice this segment is filled with guys the team would love to see running at full speed. TVD’s availability for this Saturday remains up in the air. Coach Cristobal continues to report improvement at practice but is still mum if Tyler Van Dyke will get the nod against the Noles. If Van Dyke plays the Hurricanes will have a much better chance of beating FSU. Otherwise, it’s going to take a monumental effort from the run game and the defense.

Absolutely loved this TD. Been waiting for TVD to pull off plays like these for a while now 😍#GoCanes #ItsAllAboutTheUpic.twitter.com/ixKUVizIhV

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 8, 2022

Xavier Restrepo (WR) – Available against the Virginia Cavaliers last weekend, you’d have to think (and hope) Miami will deploy its best wide receiver to increase its chances further versus Florida State. The Seminoles’ defense is explosive on the edges and their secondary is a fast, physical unit. It’s all hands on deck for the wideouts and the starting signal caller will need all the help they can get. Xavier Restrepo has been out because of a foot injury suffered two games into the season. Time for the comeback.

It’s Time😶‍🌫️‼️ pic.twitter.com/KffGH9RMex

— Xavier Restrepo (@XavierRestrepo1) October 31, 2022

Jacolby George (WR) – Doing punt returns the last two games, we could see Jacolby George become more involved. George broke his thumb against Texas A&M missing a chunk of the season in what was a big blow to the Canes. If Van Dyke and Restrepo play, can you imagine how exciting the offense can be if Jacolby is thrown in?

Jacolby George. Ankles. pic.twitter.com/rpWY4K42MH

— Spark College Football (@SparkCFB) September 18, 2022

Akheem Mesidor (DL) – One of the best edge rushers in the country, Akheem Mesidor departed last week’s game against Virginia with a leg injury. If Mesidor can return to full duty the Hurricanes can put some added pressure on Jordan Travis. Mesidor can shed blockers and has the power to push back opposing defenders. With his ability to quickly locate the ball, the pass rusher has shown instincts to help shut down drives. FSU has staggered under continuous strain, particularly in the latter stages of the game giving UM opportunities.

How about that performance by Akheem Mesidor?

8 tackles, 3.5 sacks and total dominance up front.@Akheem_Mes | #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/kUeXUJOPKS

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 16, 2022

Prediction

There are a lot of moving parts to this one. Ideally, all the guys previously mentioned will be green-lit to help the Seminoles see red this homecoming weekend. On the opposing running backs, starting RB Treshaun Ward has missed the last two games. Mike Norvell hopes he’ll be ready this Saturday. Furthermore, if he is a no-go FSU has Benson and Lawrance Toafili to step in. The bottom line is if we see Van Dyke get the ball the Hurricanes will win 27-24 over the Florida State Seminoles. Anybody else and this likely will be a long night at the Hard Rock.

Photo | Kathy Hitchcock