Florida State has a playoff berth in site. For the first time since the inaugural playoffs under Jameis Winston, Jordan Travis and the Noles are ranked No.4 in the CFP ranking, and seemingly control their own destiny with three weeks to go.
Miami on the other hand just lost 20-6 at NC State, with Canes QB Tyler Van Dyke throwing three interceptions and zero touchdowns. So, FSU should roll on Saturday, right?
Not so fast. Behind a stout Miami defense and a chance to play a massive spoiler t0 a magical season for their rival, I think the Canes have a real shot at pulling the shocker in Tallahassee.
Obviously, TVD and Miami’s offense have been struggling mightily, putting up just six points against a NCSU defense that allowed 41 to Marshall just a few weeks prior. However, Van Dyke has shown flashes of brilliance. The 6-4 junior has the perfect build for a QB, and when he is at his best, puts up numbers like 374 yards and five touchdowns in a week two win against Texas A&M.
TVD desperately needs to limit turnovers, as they have cost him and the Canes recently with Miami losing three of their last five. However, the defense has been outstanding led by a star group of transfers who have played a huge role.
Francisco Mauigoa LB
Has been an absolute beast for Cristobal, racking up 41 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception through ten weeks.
KJ Cloyd LB
Louisville transfer has been excellent for the Canes with 30 tackles, two sacks, and 5.5 TFL.
Jaden Davis CB
Fort Lauderdale native was ACC DB of the Week in win over A&M.
Oklahoma transfer has 29 tackles and four pass defenses so far in 2023.
Mauigoa and co. will have a tall test ahead of them heading into Tallahassee to take on Jordan Travis and MSU transfer Keon Coleman. However, after a great start to the year, the Noles have not looked dominant in recent wins, with the offense not moving with the rhythm we grew accustomed to seeing in the early weeks.
I believe that Miami’s defense gives them the chance to cover the spread of +14.5 (according to Caesar’s Sportsbook), but they will need TVD to show up in a big way to get the win outright. I have seen Van Dyke show up in huge games before, and he has all the natural talent needed to pull the upset.
Miami could very well be 7-2 and ranked in the top 25 if not for a coaching blunder that cost them the game vs Georgia Tech. I like the Canes to come ready to play Saturday in a rivalry game, with the defense playing lights out and TVD limiting turnovers, give me Miami 28-27 in a shocker.
