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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.