BREAKDOWN: Florida State

This Saturday night, a huge rivalry battle goes down in Tallahassee, Florida between the Hurricanes (4-0, 0-0) and Seminoles (3-1, 0-1).

Miami enters the game undefeated and ranked #3 in the country. #18 Florida State has also started strong after a disastrous season in 2024.

Can the Noles pull off an upset in this classic series?

Today, we breakdown the numbers and look at the strengths and weaknesses of Florida State.

STRENGTHS:

FSU has the #1 offense in the country, averaging 600 yards per game and 53.0 points per game.

The Noles are led by scrambling quarterback Tommy Castellanos. He combines deep threat passing with dangerous scrambling. To date, Castellanos has passed for 848 yards, completing 64.3% of his passes for 4 touchdowns with 3 interceptions. He’s scrambled for another 223 yards, resulting in another 4 touchdowns. He currently has a 78.3 quarterback rating for the season.

Running back Gavin Sawchuk leads the Noles’ rusher with 234 yard (5.6 YPC) and 6 touchdowns. Wide receiver Duce Robinson leads FSU in receiving with 17 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns.

Florida State is an explosive team on offense. Miami will need to limit Castellanos’ impact as a runner.

WEAKNESSES:

The Noles do not match up well with Miami in the trenches. Both FSU lines have been adequate but inconsistent. For FSU to win this game they must neutralize Miami massive lines, particularly the quick penetration of Miami’s Rueben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor and Miami’s down hill rushing attack behind their huge offensive line.

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami must control Castellanos’ scrambling. FSU must win the battle in the trenches.

GO CANES!