Welcome back, Canes fans!

It’s rivalry week this week! Your Miami Hurricanes head on the road for the first time this season, travelling to Tallahassee to face another hated rival: the Florida State Seminoles. And for the Canes, it’s yet another primetime game on Saturday night at Doak Campbell Stadium. It figures to be a star studded event, understandable with the #3 Canes coming to town. Basically, everybody wants to see Canes-Noles. Just like the good old days.

After a quick breather last week for the bye, it’s time to bring everyone back together to talk about the season thus far, and look at this week’s rivalry game.

Let’s get into it

Question 1: Miami is undefeated at 4-0 and ranked #3 in the country. What’s the ceiling for this year’s team?

Cam Underwood: The ceiling is the College Football Playoffs. How far into the playoffs is yet to be determined, but this is a team that can absolutely compete for championships, conference and national.

Justin Dottavio: I mean win the damn natty already. The ceiling on a team with a high priced free agent QB and a world beater OL/DL should be the whole deal.

Craig T. Smith: I mean, from what we’ve seen, the ceiling is all the way to the national championship. This is a championship-caliber roster, and particularly in the areas you need it to be the most – on the lines of scrimmage and at quarterback. The only question is if Mario can guide them there.

Mike Schiffman: I don’t want to say it out loud as I fully believe in jinxes (not really. Well, kind of). Based on what I’ve watched so far this season from all the top teams, including Miami, the Canes look like they can play with anyone. No more rat poison! Coach Cristobal needs to keep the “1-0 every week” mantra going.

John Michaels: To quote Tom Berenger from Major League. “I guess there is only one thing let to do, win the whole damn thing.” There is not a dominant team across college football, and our Canes are as good as anyone. Miami can 100% win the National Title if they stay healthy.

Jake Marcus: National Championship Contender. Miami seems slightly over appraised with their #3 ranking but by the same token there is no clearcut favorite as we approach October with some question marks for every team near the top of the rankings.

Rob Weaver: Miami is a legitimate national title contender, so that’s the ceiling. Is that what’s going to happen? Probably not. But the ultimate prize is the ceiling.

Jordan Lopez: I know people really don’t want to hear it or read it, but from what we have seen thus far, the ceiling is a National Championship. There is no other evidence proving otherwise. Miami has looked great against quality opponents and has shown little to no weaknesses throughout its roster. There is a real argument to be made that this is the best team in the country, and I tend to agree with it.

Question 2: With 4 games down, what are your thoughts on the Miami offense?

Underwood: I like it a lot, but I don’t love it, yet. The OL is truly dominant, and the run game continues to flex their muscles on a weekly basis. The passing game is also efficient, but there’s a lack of explosiveness on offense, particularly in the passing game, that will need to manifest itself sooner than later. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a LOT to like about this offense. But at the same time, there’s more that I want to see, and more that I think we can see based upon the personnel on this roster.

Dottavio: This is exactly what Mario wants it to be. Good enough passing game to keep 8 out of the box full-time and relying on the run as the bread and butter. Go back and watch what he did with Justin Herbert at Oregon and it’s a similar gameplan to what he’s doing with Beck rather than what he did with Cam Ward.

Smith: So, so physical, and I love that. A good, punishing running game always travels. It’s pushed back and worn down two really good defenses thus far in Notre Dame and Florida, and teams can’t stack up to stop the run due to Miami’s still effective passing game. And while Malachi Toney has been a revelation, as well as CJ Daniels and his highlight-reel grabs, other pass catchers are getting more involved, and that multiplicity of options will only make Miami more dangerous. The running backs are, well, awesome at 1A/B with Mark Fletcher, Jr. and Marty Brown (not even taking into account Jordan Lyle’s pending return).

Schiffman: It looks really good. The offensive line is one of the best in the country. Carson Beck has looked good overall, and I think he’ll bounce back after his worst performance of the season against the Gators. Running backs Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar “Marty” Brown have been awesome, and Jordan Lyle is probably the most talented guy in the backfield; hopefully he comes back fully healthy on Saturday night. The receivers have gone from a preseason question mark to a team strength with speed, blocking, and depth. The play calling, while conservative at times, has been really good. OC Shannon Dawson has my trust to make the right call.

Michaels: Solid but not spectacular. Shannon Dawson said something very telling at the press conference when he stated he called the game based on Florida’s lack of offense. Miami is not as explosive as last year, but that may be a good thing when it comes to controlling clock and allowing a great defense to rest. I also think when needed, this passing game can crank up with anyone in the country.

Marcus: When Mario Cristobal came to Miami, the Canes fan base was hoping the former national champion offensive lineman would be able to implement a top notch offensive lineman. That is exactly what he has done as the big guys up front have been able to keep a clean pocket for Carson Beck, an area that has allowed him to thrive early. The rushing attack has also been a nice sight to see as the running backs are averaging 5.3 yards per carry, which opens up the entire offense. The passing attack has been hit or miss but keep in mind that Beck and his targets had limited offseason rapport due to Beck’s shoulder injury.

Weaver: An identity that should make Mario Cristobal proud. Miami has faced two really good defenses (Florida, Notre Dame) and dominated the line of scrimmage in both games. The running game has been humming, even without Lyle who should be returning soon. Shannon Dawson has also managed the games very, very well. Even though Beck was struggling, that 80yd drive fourth quarter drive against Florida was a display of art as the offense kept Florida off balance picking up solid gain after solid gain. This offense doesn’t have the explosiveness of last year’s Ward-led squad, but it controls the game as well if not better.

Lopez: Their identity is something everyone can be proud of and confident in. A physical, smash-mouth football team. It’s a power run scheme that incorporates the air raid as well. I love it. Shannon Dawson has done a great job with Carson Beck and this offense. I know that Mario Cristobal has to love the dynamics of this offense, purely due to the dominance of the offensive line. There is no better feeling in sports than knowing your offensive line is the best in the country.

Question 3: Same question, opposite side of the ball: What are your thoughts on Miami’s defense so far?

Underwood: Night and day from last year, and I love to see it! Rueben Bain is the destroyer of worlds. His tandem with Akheem Mesidor has been truly disruptive for opposing offenses. The Linebackers are playing better and more consistently (even with a couple of plays that needed to be fixed after the fact from the ND and USF games). And the Secondary has been a revelation. The job isn’t done by any means, but I’m MUCH happier with this year’s defense than that sieve we had out there last year.

Dottavio: Getting CJ Carr Week One was a blessing. I think he does much more damage now that he’s experienced. He will be hell to deal with in the playoff. But the defense squashed USF and Florida. Castellanos and Malzahn will be a whole new animal. If they shut down FSU I’m a true believer.

Smith: Man, if only this roster and Corey Hetherman were in Coral Gables last year. We’re talking about something really, really special. But alas, this unit has been awesome and a night-and-day change from last year. When you have game-wreckers off the edge, you affect an opposing offense in so many ways. But I love what Miami has done in the run game as well. Playing assignment-sound football in the front seven. That being said, a big challenge awaits against Gus Malzahn and a very talented and balanced FSU offense.

Schiffman: Even better than the offense! What a difference a year makes, especially in today’s college football. The transfers have been incredible, most notably in the secondary. Miami fans know the names. They all seem to have good instincts, fly to the ball, and aren’t afraid of contact. Mo Toure and Wesley Bissainthe are running sideline to sideline and holding up in coverage at linebacker. The best unit has been the defensive line, with Rueben Bain Jr. leading the way. Lastly, new DC Corey Hetherman has been a perfect fit for Miami’s playing style and culture. What a hire.

Michaels: Elite!!! What a night and day difference from 2024 on defense. Miami is violent at the point of attack and physical everywhere else. Corey Heatherman has dialed up everything so far through 4 games, and it has looked fantastic. I will say it again for the 50th time, Rueben Bain Jr is the best player in the country and should be a Heisman finalist.

Marcus: Bain should be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s the most talented and consistent player in the nation through four games. The secondary is a welcome sight to see after last year’s disaster, which is a key area they addressed through the transfer portal and recruiting trail during the offseason.

Weaver: Each week is another 60 minutes of tape for opposing offenses to find weaknesses. Lest ‘Canes fans forget that last year’s fifth game against Virginia Tech was when the flood gates started to open. FSU’s Gus Malzahn is one of the best offensive minds in football and is one of the main reasons for FSU’s turn around. If this defense can hold FSU in check, I’m ready to declare the 2025 Canes defense “elite.”

Lopez: This Miami defense continues to build confidence in me. I was obviously skeptical going into the year, given what we had to witness last season. Corey Hetherman has done a fantastic job with this unit, and Rueben Bain Jr is arguably the best player in the country. This FSU game does scare me because of Gus Malzahn and the run game he possesses. I’ll be ready to deem them the best defense in the country if they stop this run game of the Seminoles, because I do view Malzahn and his offense highly. But nonetheless, I am very happy with the defense.

Question 4: Let’s talk about FSU. What are your thoughts on the Noles through 4 games?

Underwood: I think FSU is better than the 2-10 laughingstock they trotted out there last year, but I think there are holes on their roster that Miami can exploit. They’re a tricky out because Gus Malzahn specializes in dialing weird stuff up in big games (see his career-long penchant for beating Alabama, despite the Crimson Tide’s talent advantage in every game a Malzahn coached team has played against them), so Miami will need to be dialed in.

Dottavio: I agree with Schiff below- good but not great. It’s hard to be great when you completely reshuffle the deck every off-season. The lack of continuity, culture, etc. hurts. Just because they lost to UVA doesn’t mean they stink. UVA is a good team, too.

Smith: Dangerous. Tommy Castellanos gives you the chunk play element every time he touches the ball, with his legs or his arm. Duce Robinson looks early-NFL-draft-pick good. And FSU’s RB pair of Gavin Sawchuk and Ousmane Kromah is impressive. I’m not sure what to make of their offensive line yet, but it’s mostly been good enough through 4 games. Defensively, I was amazed their front controlled the line of scrimmage against Alabama, but in their only other test of the season against Virginia, their front looked very pedestrian. I see a major opportunity there for Miami.

Schiffman: I think they look good, but not great. That said, the improvement from last season is monumental. The Seminoles are reinvigorated on offense with a new OC, quarterback and multiple playmakers at receiver and running back. They are aggressive and aren’t afraid to throw the ball downfield. FSU’s defense looked good against Alabama, but definitely regressed against Virginia. The Seminoles will need to play better on that side of the ball, with Miami’s vaunted running game and overall balanced offense.

Michaels: Better than I anticipated, but the record is where I expected it. FSU is fun, albeit gimmicky on offense again thanks to Gus Malzahn and Tommy Castellanos. and their win against Alabama looks really good. the loss to UVA brought them back down to earth, but it is stark contrast to the team that quit in 2024.

Marcus: I’m glad they were brought back to earth last week but at the same time the Seminoles now theoretically have more to play for. That said, I was not concerned about FSU coming into the season and they have clearly been exceeding the preseason expectations and avenging the 2-10 2024 campaign. Still not convinced they are a playoff contender or even the team to most fear in the ACC. However, it’s good to see Florida teams playing good early on (not you Florida Gators).

Weaver: Clearly better than 2-10, but how much better remains to be seen. Sure, FSU managed to run over Alabama early in the season, but big upsets happen every year and the underdog often regresses back to the median. Was Northern Illinois better than national runner-up Notre Dame last year? On one Saturday afternoon, yes – but not over the course of a full season (they lost to Buffalo the very next week). That’s not to say FSU is this year’s Northern Illinois, but you don’t really learn anything about a team from games against Kent State and East Texas A&M. Against Alabama and Virginia, FSU looked good but very flawed.

Lopez: I believe that FSU is a good football team, on the verge of being great. I have hesitancy because of the quarterback, but this run game is no joke, in my opinion. I’ll keep singing his praises, but Gus Malzahn is a wizard in the run game and can scheme up great things offensively. His offenses are at their most dangerous when he has a running quarterback, which he does. Now, thankfully for Miami, Tommy Castellanos can’t throw the ball great (in my opinion), so they can just stack the box and force him to beat us through the air. I also think that the trenches hold the Noles back, which also plays to our favor. That’s why I think they are just a good team, not a great one.

Question 5: Florida State’s offense is vintage Gus Malzahn. How does that make you feel?

Underwood: Cautious. Malzahn has a way of dialing things up in big games (see: the many times he’s beaten Alabama, including this year), and the motion/window dressing in his offense can get defenders to lose eye discipline. I think Miami should be able to win up front with their defensive line and help to choke the running lanes for this offense, but the linebacker play will be essential to fit the run and not leave lanes for FSU to run.

Dottavio: Both good and bad. Good because he has such a basic passing game like Georgia Tech. Bad because all of that motion, shift, wing-t slight of hand could be an issue for the defense. It’s hard to play fast against all of that OODA Loop disruption.

Smith: A little bit concerned in that I feel like he’s found a way to utilize Castellanos strengths well and have balance in their offense. His dual threat ability can be an X-factor against a good pass rush, and Malzahn has gotten plenty out of Castellanos’ legs. Add in his pre-snap eye candy, and it can be a confusing a dangerous offense.

Schiffman: Anxious. Malzahn called a great game against a good Alabama defense to open the season. He followed that up by helping FSU’s offense to consecutive blowouts over lesser teams East Texas A&M and Kent State. To be honest, it was those two beatings that made me think the Seminoles would be a problem on offense for the Canes. Last year, FSU would’ve struggled to score in those games. Malzahn and Tommy Castellanos have a great rapport and put their offense in a good position more often than not. Plus, an athletic and mobile quarterback in general always scares me.

Michaels: As stated above, they are fun on offense, and explosive in the run game. With most Malzahn offenses, there is a lot of eye candy and a power run game in behind it. They will take big shots down the field with Duce Robinson, but if Miami can beat up their offensive line, the offense will bog down.

Marcus: FSU was active in the transfer portal. Ten of their starters are transfers, nine of which were additions during the 2025 offseason (the final starter is a true freshman recruit). The Noles will only go as far as Castellanos can lead them. He failed last year at BC but showed flashes where he was recruited on the UCF Knights, and is off to a good start for FSU. Castellanos, whose most popular comparison is Kyler Murray, had some big time throws (and runs) against UVA but also made some key misses with two picks. Squirrel White back at full strength should help the offense.

Weaver: For ‘Canes fans that don’t appreciate what this question is getting at, all you need to know is this: when Malzahn was hired as Auburn’s head coach in 2013, a guy by the name of Rhett Lashlee followed him to be his offensive coordinator, and together Malzahn and Lashlee flipped Auburn from 3-9 to 12-2 with a BCS championship game appearance. That said, the Auburn offense noticeably declined after Lashlee left Auburn in 2016. So while Lashlee may be a Malzahn disciple, the student would eventually become the teacher. Plus, Tommy Castellanos is not exactly Cam Newton. I feel like Corey Hetherman will be up to the task.

Lopez: As I have stated in the previous three questions, it scares me the most heading into Saturday. We are really going to find out if Miami’s defense is legit. If you can stop this run game and if Corey Hetherman can go toe-to-toe with Malzahn, then I believe the Canes can truly win the National Championship. That is how highly I think of him and his offensive scheme.

Question 6: After having rotating 6 touchdown blowouts both ways in this rivalry recently, what does a top 20 Canes-Noles matchup mean to you?

Underwood: It means this rivalry is getting back to its elite matchup roots. This game literally determined the National Champion many times in the 1980s and 1990s, and having both teams ranked is getting back toward that. No, I don’t think that happens this year (or really ever again with the College Football Playoff in existence), but Miami-FSU should be a MOMENT, one of the top games in every CFB season. A top 20 matchup is another step toward that being the case again.

Dottavio: The game finally has some true meaning again. Don’t let that UVA loss fool you, FSU is still a good ball club this season. Their 2-10 team was pesky for Miami in ‘24, this squad is much more together and talented than that grpup.

Smith: Still means the same to me regardless of their UVA loss. It’s a chance to sweep the Sunshine State and win that crown for the second straight year. That matters an enormous amount to me. Plus, y’know, the whole ACC title chase thing and all. This one is absolutely huge for the University of Miami, both because it’s FSU and the trajectory this season appears to be on. And it should be a battle, not a blowout.

Schiffman: This year’s matchup is a huge one for both programs, both in terms of this season and the future. FSU still has plenty to play for in 2025; their victory over Alabama looks better every week. Miami can win the state of Florida for the second year in a row, then go into their second bye week knowing they probably already played four of the five (maybe six) toughest teams on their schedule. I am not going to act like I know how much this game will affect recruiting, but it seems consequential. Coach Cristobal will have a great pitch to high school kids and transfer players if Miami can go 6-0 against FSU, UF, and USF the past two seasons.

Michaels: A national stage again in a meaningful game. i truly miss the early 200s and back when this game was THE GAME in college football. Had FSU stayed unbeaten we would have seen a vintage matchup as least as far as hype and build-up. the teams still aren’t quite at the peak that it once was, but at least for this year they are both ranked .

Marcus: Coming into the season I figured it was a foregone conclusion that Miami would add another six TD win, this time at the Doak. It’s looking like it’ll be closer than that as the Canes are favored by only one score. Miami’s most recent game against another rival, Florida, was tight through three quarters but Miami ended up winning decisively. Another convincing win, whether closing it out late or keeping a comfortable lead throughout the game, would indicate Cristobal is turning a corner with in-game coaching prowess.

Weaver: It would had meant more if FSU didn’t blow it against Virginia – then this would had been a Top 5 matchup for the first time in over 20 years. I’m of the opinion that rivalries are better when both teams are good. The whole nation watches, GameDay comes to town, and every recruit in the country wants to be part of it. Miami and FSU should be one of the top 5 rivalries in the nation, but that requires both teams to regularly face off with lofty rankings next to their names. To quote The Departed: Miami is the guy who did his job, FSU must be the other guy.

Lopez: It means a lot. I didn’t get to witness the old throwback classic games of the past (I’m really telling myself with my age here), but this has a feel of those days. It would have been a true throwback feeling if FSU had beaten Virginia, but both teams are ranked, and the hatred will always be there.

And that brings us to the end of the first part of our Canes-Seminoles rivalry week 2025 roundtable. Which contributor do you most align your thoughts with? Who is WAY off base?

Talk it up, Canes fam. We’re back with part 2 of our roundtable tomorrow.

Go Canes