Miami Escapes FSU, but Notre Dame Test Still Looms

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Miami’s Escape Against Florida State Raises Questions About Its Defense

Miami remains one of the most talented teams in the country, but its schedule and narrow double-overtime win over Florida State have created uncertainty. The Hurricanes needed several favorable calls at home to defeat a struggling rival in a game they were expected to control.

Miami is celebrating the 2001 national championship team at home, adding emotion to the matchup against Pittsburgh. Although the atmosphere does not have the same feel as the old Orange Bowl, the Hurricanes have covered eight of their last 10 games and should handle Pittsburgh.

The larger question is whether Mario Cristobal will eventually cost Miami a game. Kevin said the Florida State matchup was likely that spot. Miami trailed in the fourth quarter, and Florida State regained possession with the lead before the Hurricanes ultimately escaped in overtime.

Florida State’s best overtime opportunity would have come by answering a Miami touchdown and attempting a two-point conversion. Instead, Miami survived the rivalry game that appeared most likely to produce an unexpected loss.

Notre Dame remains a possible loss for Miami, while North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Boston College are also still on the schedule. Miami may have cleared its biggest hurdle, leaving the Notre Dame matchup as a potential game for major stakes, even if both teams are expected to make the playoffs.

The greatest concern from the Florida State game was Miami’s defense. A unit expected to rank among the country’s best allowed 35 points to an offense that had not produced that kind of performance outside its game against Virginia. Miami scoring 43 points was not surprising, but its defensive performance immediately raised questions about the betting line for the Notre Dame game.