No. 3 Miami vs. No. 18 Florida State
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee
TV: ABC
Coaches: UM’s Mario Cristobal 26-16 (88-76 overall), FSU’s Mike Norvell: 36-28 (74-43 overall)
Line: Miami is favored by 4 1/2 points
Weather: 80 degrees, 40 percent chance of rain
Quick slant: Florida State is back at home after losing its first game of the year, a road contest against underdog Virginia. Miami, on the other hand, had the week off after closing its non-conference slate with a home victory against Florida.
About No. 3 Miami (4-0): The Hurricanes closed out their non-conference schedule undefeated, picking up wins over rivals Notre Dame and Florida. But Miami has yet to go on the road, and it faces a tough environment in Tallahassee this week.
About No. 18 Florida State (3-1, 0-1 ACC): The Seminoles surprised the nation with a win over Alabama in Week 1, then suffered an upset of their own against the Cavaliers last week. Despite the loss, FSU is much improved from last year’s 2-10 team.
Three things to watch
1. Miami has not played a road game this season. The Hurricanes faced Notre Dame and Florida in front of raucous environments, but both games were in the friendly confines of Hard Rock Stadium. This Saturday, they go on the road for the first time. And it is not just any road trip: It’s a trip to Doak Campbell Stadium, a notoriously difficult place to play. The Hurricanes have played in loud and/or hostile environments before, but not for a long time.
2. FSU has been one of the most explosive teams in the nation. The Seminoles are second in the country in passes of 30-plus and 40-plus yards, and they are second in yards per play. FSU is also No. 1 in the nation with just over 600 yards per game. The Hurricanes’ defense has excelled this year, but one place they have been targeted is in downfield passing. UM is tied for 67th with three passes allowed that were 40-plus yards. It is a small sample size, but FSU will test the Hurricanes’ coverage.
3. Miami quarterback Carson Beck scuffled in UM’s win over Florida in Week 4, and the Hurricanes need him to perform better against Florida State. The veteran quarterback, who transferred from Georgia, is used to big gameday environments, and he said he spent the entire bye week working on his game. Beck has been one of the nation’s most accurate passers this year, and he needs to avoid turnovers and keep the offense moving.
