The FSU Seminoles will play the Miami Hurricanes for the 71st time on Saturday in Hard Rock Stadium.
The two first played in 1952 and have played annually since 1969. While the Hurricanes dominated the series early, the Seminoles now trail 33-37 all time, and the two are tied 29-29 since they started playing every year. FSU has a winning record in Miami, going 21-20.
It will be tough for them to pick up the 22nd win on Saturday, with No. 3 Miami entering the game 5-0 and looking like a legit national title contender. On the other hand, FSU is 3-3, and Mike Norvell is fighting for his job after back-to-back losing seasons.
Both teams will be relatively healthy for the game. Miami is coming off a bye, and defensive end Marquise Lightfoot, cornerback
Xavier Lucas, cornerback Damari Brown, and linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin were not listed on the initial injury report. The biggest concern for FSU is linebacker Noah LaValee, who is questionable.
Here are five reasons why FSU will lose to Miami on Saturday.
FSU has no answer for Malachi Toney, Miami's offense
The Miami offense leads the country with 49.6 points per game, and it will be a tough ask for FSU's defense to try and slow them down. Quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney are both Heisman candidates, and the two best players FSU has played this season. FSU's secondary has struggled throughout the year, and the Hurricanes will exploit it throughout the game, picking up several explosive gains.
Miami will dominate FSU at the line of scrimmage
Miami had to replace Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. along the defensive line, and they have done so perfectly. Damon Wilson II and Marquise Lightfoot have done a great job pressuring the quarterback, with a healthy rotation behind them keeping them fresh throughout the game and poised to take advantage of FSU's offensive line.
The Hurricanes also had to rebuild their offensive line over the offseason, but they were able to slide in several veterans and former blue-chip recruits. They have allowed just 31 pressures and 3.0 sacks this year, per Pro Football Focus. Their 76.5 run-blocking grade is the 9th best in the country, and the unit will control the game against FSU's front seven.
FSU can't win on the road
FSU's road losing streak has grown to 11 games, and Miami is the best team the Seminoles will face during that stretch. FSU has looked good at times on the road, but has made too many mistakes in key moments and crumbled when adversity hits.
When trying to win on the road, especially against a superior opponent, you have to play clean football and respond when things go wrong, something the Seminoles have proven they can not do away from Doak Campbell Stadium. If they can't clean up their mistakes, it will be a long night for FSU in Hard Rock Stadium.
Florida State will lose the turnover battle
The Seminoles have turned the ball over eight times this season, including at least one time in all five of their games. They have lost the turnover battle in their past four games and have yet to force a turnover on the road, giving it away four times.
Miami has turned it over just two times this season, with Mensah yet to throw an interception. Their defense has started to force turnovers recently, averaging two over their past three games. They will intercept Ashton Daniels at least once and avoid any on offense.
Miami is too talented for FSU
There is no bigger disparity between FSU's Mike Norvell and Miami's Mario Cristobal than in their ability to assemble a talented roster. While some of it is due to their NIL budget, the Hurricanes are recruiting at a completely different level than FSU and doing a better job evaluating players in the portal, ensuring their additions make the impact they need. FSU has weaknesses at both lines of scrimmage and at quarterback, Miami has prioritized all three units, and that has powered their resurgence.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Five reasons FSU will lose to Miami on Saturday
