Miami, FL

Miami Hurricanes’ Mario Cristobal still sees talented FSU football team, even at 1-6

Published

2 months ago

October 23, 2024

Miami Hurricanes’ Mario Cristobal still sees talented FSU football team, even at 1-6

Heading into Florida State football’s season. the rivalry showdown against the Miami Hurricanes would’ve been one of the top games to watch this year.

It hasn’t turned out that way.

FSU is coming off its third straight loss last Friday against Duke, which dropped the Seminoles to 1-6 for the first time since 1975. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes remain undefeated (7-0) and ranked No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

While the teams are heading in opposite directions, there’s plenty at stake in this ACC showdown at Hard Rock Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.

TOM D’ANGELO: Miami saving state of Florida football from total embarrassment

For the third consecutive week, the Hurricanes survived another ACC shootout in Saturday’s victory over Louisville and are 7-0 for the first time since 2017.

UM head coach Mario Cristobal, who experienced the rivalry as a former offensive lineman for the Hurricanes, does not care about the win-loss column. He also does not let FSU’s losing record define its talent level.

“I could say, as a player, we never looked at the record of anyone who we were playing,” Cristobal said to the press.

“Whatever the record of any team is in this rivalry, you’re going to get the best version of them, and they’re going to get the best version of you. And that’s what makes the game so incredibly intense and physical, and that’s why so many guys come here to play in that game.”

More: FSU football’s offense needs a change at Miami. Here’s what Mike Norvell must do

What is Mario Cristobal’s gameplan against FSU football

During his press conference, Cristobal pointed out FSU’s defensive front and secondary. The defense has kept the Seminoles in games in the last two weeks.

Against Clemson, after giving away 17 points in the first quarter, the Seminoles kept the Tigers out of the end zone.

Last week against Duke, The Seminoles only allowed `180 yards of total offense and one touchdown. Cristobal expects the defense to be a challenge.

“They’re about as talented in most of the key positions in the front seven as you’ll see, and the secondary is big, long, they’re fast,” Cristobal said. “They play band coverage as good as anyone that we’ve seen. They mix it up pretty well as well. They got a wide variety of pressure and stunt packages that go with it. “

Miami has the No. 1 ranked total offense, with an average of 577.3 yards a game, and the No. 2 ranked scoring, with an average of 48.3 points a game.

Cristobal is focused on FSU’s offensive line, which has underperformed all year due to a mixture of injuries, lineup changes, and pass protection. However, he pointed out the size and physicality of the O-line that his defense will have to focus on.

“And then I think their offensive line, I know they might have had a guy hurt or two, but they’re another group that’s really big,” Cristobal said.

“A highly recruited class that is really strong and powerful, and has had some really, really strong moments. And again, all I see is I see a really good football team and looking forward to a great game.”

More: FSU football’s Marvin Jones Jr. knows about Miami rivalry. Look who’s he related to

How to watch FSU vs. Miami game

Date: Saturday, Oct. 26
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: ESPN

FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times

Saturday, Aug. 24: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) Lost 24-21
Monday, Sept. 2: vs. Boston College* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 28-13
Saturday, Sept. 7: Bye
Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Memphis | Noon | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 20-12
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Cal* | 7 p.m.| ESPN2 (Fubo) Won 14-9
Saturday, Sept. 28: at No. 22 SMU* | 8 p.m. EST | ACC Network Lost 42-16
Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. No. 9 Clemson* | 7 p.m.| ESPN (Fubo) Lost 29-13
Saturday, Oct. 12: Bye
Friday, Oct. 18: at Duke* | 7 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo) Lost 23-16
Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 5 Miami* | 7 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. North Carolina*
Saturday, Nov. 9: at No. 11 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock)
Saturday, Nov. 16: Bye
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Charleston Southern
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Florida
Saturday, Dec. 6: ACC championship game (Charlotte, N.C)

All times Eastern

* = ACC

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

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Miami, FL

South Florida 11 p.m. Weather Forecast 12/21/2024

Published

52 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

Press Room

South Florida 11 p.m. Weather Forecast 12/21/2024 – CBS Miami

Watch CBS News

CBS News Miami’s NEXT Weather Meteorologist Dave Warren says to expect a cool night for Saturday and to expect waking up to cold morning temperatures with chilly wind for Sunday.

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Miami, FL

Penn State transfer portal target, Pa. native commits to Miami

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Penn State transfer portal target, Pa. native commits to Miami

Penn State had a successful Saturday, beating SMU in the College Football Playoff first round in convincing fashion. But not everything went the Nittany Lions’ way.

David Blay, one of Penn State’s top targets in the transfer portal, committed to Miami. The news was reported by on3 on Saturday afternoon.

In addition to Penn State and Miami, Blay was also being pursued by Florida State, Illinois, Oklahoma, USC, Wisconsin, Mississippi State and Arkansas.

Blay, a standout at Louisiana Tech who visited last weekend, was a top target for the Nittany Lions as they look to add depth and talent to their defensive line for the 2025 season.

Blay is a Levittown native who played at Harry S. Truman High School outside Philadelphia before going to West Chester to play at the Division II level in 2021 and 2022. Blay transferred to Louisiana Tech, where he was a first-team All-Conference USA selection this year.

Blay finished the 2024 season with 46 tackles, 10 1/2 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks.

Penn State has addressed a couple needs in the portal so far in the winter window, earning commitments from USC wide receiver Kyron Hudson and Texas A&M defensive end Enai White. But the Nittany Lions would love to add a defensive tackle or two.

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Miami, FL

Miami Heat Sharpshooter Could be Perfect Fit for OKC Thunder

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Miami Heat Sharpshooter Could be Perfect Fit for OKC Thunder

Throughout the season, Oklahoma City has had struggles shooting from outside, and a fix could come through the trade route.

On Friday, the Thunder won their seventh straight regular season game with a 104-97 victory in Miami. The Thunder improved to 22-5 and had one of their best 3-point shooting nights of the season, shooting 14-of-34 from outside.

On the other side, the Thunder might have played against someone who could be a seamless fit. Heat forward Duncan Robinson had a rough shooting night against the Thunder, as most players in the league do, but kept firing for a 3-of-11 night from beyond the arc.

A career 39.7% 3-point shooter, Robinson has hit near that mark again this season while taking well over six attempts per game. Although his defense has been criticized throughout his career, he has shown he can play well enough to stay on the floor and contribute, as seen by his roles in Miami’s 2020 and 2023 Finals runs.

As far as the trade block, the Thunder have already been linked to Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson. While he and Robinson have a similar contract, Johnson has one more year on his deal and makes a bit more money.

While Johnson’s added production makes him clearly the better player and potential target, the Thunder might be able to get Robinson for a much lower price, especially if the Heat begin to shift gears and go through with a Jimmy Butler trade.

In any case, the Thunder would have to send out someone in the rotation. Given what Robinson could bring to the Thunder, players on newly signed extensions, such as Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins, could be the perfect centerpiece of a deal alongside another small contract.

Given their youth, skillsets, and long-term security, either could be a solid piece for the Heat. Meanwhile, this would be a win-now move for the Thunder, losing one of the young wings they’ve developed for a proven playoff performer.

Perhaps the Thunder would be hesitant to make such a deal after the Gordon Hayward trade went south last season. However, Robinson has been in and out of the Heat’s rotation throughout his time with Erik Spoelstra and could adapt to any role the Thunder throw at him.

There might not be a perfect trade for the Thunder, but Robinson could solve some problems and push the Thunder’s shooting into a championship tier.

Want to join the discussion? Like Thunder on SI on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.

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