What started a couple of weeks ago as a very competitive state, has turned into a runaway halfway through the college football season. The Miami Hurricanes had a bye week, but any contender around them continued to falter, except for USF, who put themselves one step closer to a college football playoff berth. Florida State once again lost a football game, and now Mike Norvel is on a very hot seat as the Seminoles are 1-10 in their last 11 ACC games. Florida finds itself in the same position, coming
off of win against Texas 2 weeks ago, where they went on the road, and the offense faltered in a loss to Texas A&M. The remainder of the state continues to be a disaster, and even year one under Scott Frost for UCF isn’t going as planned. Here are your week eight State of Florida rankings.
1. Miami (5-1, 1-0)– The Miami Hurricanes enjoyed a bye week with a 5-0 start to the season. Miami now begins a stretch run of seven straight games in the ACC including three road tilts once they hit the month of November. For the third straight year, the Canes of got off to a 4-0 start or better under Mario Cristobal and now will be big favorites the remainder of the year. A 7-0 finish gets them to Charlotte and a guaranteed spot in the college football playoffs. 6-1 may get them to Charlotte and should get them in the playoffs. Any more than two losses will have Miami potentially on the outside, looking in once again.
Next game Friday Night vs Louisville
2. USF (5-1, 2-0) – The Bulls secured a big win over North Texas 63-36 last Friday night to put themselves in prime position to earn the non-power 4 college football playoff spot. Byrum Brown accounted for 327 yards to pace USF. The Bulls have the inside track to make the post-season if they can continue to get wins. One distraction that could impact the remainder of the season is the fact the Head Coach Alex Golesh name is coming up in job searches.
Next Game vs FAU
3. Florida (2-4, 1-1) – Although the Gators lost on the road to number four, Texas A&M 34-17, they look like they’re playing better football than they did early in the year. This week the offense got off to a hot start but cooled off as the game went along. Unfortunately, for head coach, Billy Napier, the end seems to be near if you believe the reports that are out that his job could be in jeopardy as early as this week.
Next game vs Mississippi State
4. FSU (3-3, 0-3) – The Seminoles lost for a third straight time to fall to 3-3 on the season as Pittsburgh’s true freshman Mason Heintschel walked into Tallahassee and took care of the Noles with 321 yards passing. Florida State defense looks incapable of stopping anybody, as for the third week in a row and ACC opponent marched up and down the field against them. FSU is now 1 and 10 in their last 11 games, and if it wasn’t for a 50+ million-dollar buyout for Mike Norvel, he would probably already be gone.
Next game @ Stanford
5. UCF (3-3, 0-3) – The Knights struggled on offense in a 20-11 defeat at the hands of Cincinatti. Cam Fancher was dynamic at QB with 320 total yards and a TD. UCF will obviously show patience with new/old coach Scott Frost, but the 1st season hasn’t got off to a great start. Making a bowl now would be a great accomplishment, but with nothing but conference games left, it will not be easy.
Next Game vs West Virginia
6. FIU (3-3, 1-1) – Kejon Owens was dynamic on the, going for 195 yards on the ground as the Panthers knocked off Western Kentucky 25-6. FIU has a chance to be bowl eligible if they can simply split the next 6 games.
Next Game vs Kennesaw St
7. FAU (3-3, 1-1) – The Owls won their 2nd straight game, this time over UAB 53-33. Caden Veltkamp threw for 293 yards and 3 TDs for the win. Veltkamp has been red-hot over the last 2 weeks with 6TDs and just 2 interceptions.
Next Game @ USF
Go Canes!
