For the first time in over a decade, Miami and Florida State are both undefeated 4 weeks into the college football season. Also, for he first time in maybe 20 years, both programs look legit. This news is exciting to say the least; so much so that Miami and Florida State might be on a collision course.
Obviously, Miami and Florida State play every year, but this year looks to be different. Florida State came into the year with high expectation placed on their plate, while Miami is shocking the world at how efficient they look.
Florida State dominated top SEC programs LSU in Orlando. Miami on the other hand put together a promising performance against Texas A&M. Some might say both wins could be considered equal.
While Florida State has played against stiffer competition, Miami has put up 38+ points in every game this season. The Canes haven’t done that since 2002.
Needless to say, at 4-0 Miami and Florida State has provided some level of hope. Could the November 11th match-up in Tallahassee be a duel between unbeatens? Could Tallahassee match-up be game 1 of a potential 2 or 3 game series? At the moment, all things are possible.
Biggest Challenges to Miami and Florida State?
The biggest challenges to an unbeaten match-up between Miami and Florida State will be the rest of the ACC. Surprisingly, The ACC still has quite a few unbeaten teams. Among those teams are Syracuse, Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, and both Miami and Florida State.
Florida State’s Blockade
Florida State plays Syracuse and Duke in back-to-back games before playing Wake Forest. Neither opponent will likely lay down and let FSU roll over them. Duke’s quarterback Riley Leonard has looked like the best Duke quarterback ever. Florida State secondary will have to be prepared.
Syracuse presents another difficult game. The Orange men haven’t played any competition that would equal up to Florida State. Although a difficult game, Florida State should roll. Now, Wake Forest is a different story. The Demon Decans have had Florida State’s number for the last three years. The Noles have the talent, but will they be able to beat wake up and dominate Wake Forest? That’s a tough answer to give.
Miami’s Blockade
Unlike Florida State, Miami has yet to dominate the ACC. Needless to say, Miami has been very average. Some might even say below average, but this year could be different. Well, this year could be the start of a new era of Miami football.
The road to an undefeated match-up with Florida State is far more brutal than Florida State. Miami must end North Carolina’s four-game winning streak against them. Last year’s game was close, but that’s last year. North Carolina will be undefeated when they play in Chapel Hill. Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye has been projected as the #2 quarterback in this upcoming draft.
The Canes defensive line will need to get pressure on him if they hope to beat North Carolina. Furthermore, North Carolina have been able to dominate Miami in the run game as well. With two studs in the backfield, a bad tackling day could end up being a long night for the Canes.
After North Carolina, Miami will host Clemson. The Tigers have absolutely dismantled Miami over the last few years. In 2022, Clemson hung 40 points on Miami’s defense. If Miami is looking to end Clemson’s win streak over them, they will have to play lights out.
Virginia and NC State will be formidable, however if Miami gets past North Carolina and Clemson unblemished, then the Canes should dominate both.
The odds Miami and Florida State stay unbeaten before the November 11th.
Miami and Florida State are favorited in every game left on their schedule. Also, neither team has looked perfect thus far this season. I would say there’s a 30% chance both come into the November match-up unbeaten.
Honestly, Florida State has the best odds compared to Miami.