Florida State Seminoles vs. Miami Hurricanes: Three Key Matchups
The Florida State Seminoles are staring at a huge opportunity. Sitting at No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Seminoles would be playoff-bound if the season ended today.
However, the Seminoles still have three games left, and winning out is crucial to their playoff hopes. This starts with the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday in a big rivalry game inside Doak Campbell Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET.
READ MORE: Former College Gameday ESPN Host Puts Florida State at No. 1 in CFB Playoff
Here are three key matchups for Florida State as they host Miami.
1. Florida State Secondary vs. Tyler Van Dyke
When the Seminoles are two-touchdown favorites like they are against Miami, the secondary has a huge opportunity to help the team build a huge lead.
The offense is going to do its part, that's no secret. They're full of talent. However, the secondary has a huge opportunity in this one. In his most recent game, Van Dyke threw for three interceptions as the Hurricanes put up six points against NC State in a 20-6 loss.
If the Florida State secondary can come away with some timely interceptions, the offense can put the team in blowout territory and help the Seminoles come away with a seamless win. Van Dyke has thrown ten interceptions over his last four games. Again, this is a huge opportunity for the Seminoles secondary.
2. Trey Benson vs. Miami Run Defense
The Hurricanes run defense is solid. On the season, they allow under 90 rushing yards per game. This is good for the eighth-best rushing defense in the nation.
For the Seminoles, a big part of building big leads and protecting leads against teams like Miami is finding success in the ground game. It appears this will be no easy task for Florida State.
This is where Trey Benson comes in. Using his combination of strength and speed, he'll have to play a crucial role, especially if the Seminoles are shorthanded at the wide receiver position once again.
3. Florida State Pass Rush vs. Miami Offensive Line
What this game will eventually come down to is whether or not Florida State lets Miami hang around in this one.
However, there are plenty of ways where the defense can play their part in making sure this one isn't close. If Jordan Travis and the offense can take care of business, the Seminoles can force the Hurricanes' hand.
Though Miami has only allowed 11 sacks this season, six of those have come in the Hurricanes' recent two losses. The Seminoles getting pressure on the quarterback and coming away with sacks will only force Miami into more offensive struggles.
The Seminoles' defense all around has a big opportunity to make a huge impact on Saturday.
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.
