Miami, FL

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

Published

2 years 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

Miami Central students prepare for life changing trip to Zimbabwe amid funding challenges

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Miami Central students prepare for life changing trip to Zimbabwe amid funding challenges

A group of South Florida students is preparing to travel more than 8,000 miles to Zimbabwe next Wednesday, though organizers say reaching their fundraising goals has become increasingly difficult this year.

Ten students from Miami Central Senior High School are scheduled to spend 18 days in the country as part of the Blindfolded International Student Cultural Exchange Program (BISCEP). The initiative aims to provide students with cultural immersion and foster global relationships.

“I’m really excited but also a tad bit nervous,” said 11th grader Shonneice Ferris.

For student Samir Rios, the trip offers a chance to engage with a new community. “The most anticipated thing that I’m looking forward to is most likely the students and the kids,” Rios said.

During the 18-day excursion, students plan to attend local schools, volunteer at an orphanage, and visit sites including Victoria Falls. “The first week we’re going to be going to school in Zimbabwe,” Ferris said.

Despite the program’s history of successful trips, BISCEP founder Edwin Sheppard said fundraising efforts have stalled. Many longtime donors have reduced their contributions due to budget constraints.

“A lot of our donors, our past donors, have not been able to donate what they’ve donated in the past,” Sheppard said. “A lot of budget cuts, and so we’re still struggling to raise all of the funding.”

Organizers confirmed the trip will proceed as scheduled despite the financial hurdles.

“This is two different schools, two different sides of the world and two different continents, and I think we’re going to do something amazing out of this,” Rios said.

The students are scheduled to depart next Wednesday. Organizers continue to seek donations to cover the remaining costs. Those interested in supporting the Miami Central Senior High students can find more information at biscep.org.

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Miami, FL

Miami ‘At the Top’ for Star In-State 2028 Running Back

Published

13 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

Miami ‘At the Top’ for Star In-State 2028 Running Back

The contact period for 2028 recruits officially opened on June 15th, and Miami has been active on the recruiting trail.

Now more than ever, recruiting players early matters, with several committing before taking their official visits in their senior season.

Miami has been high on 2028 running back Terriel Harmon for a while, and he discussed the Hurricanes with Miami Hurricanes on SI.

READ MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 Football Commitment Tracker

The Hurricanes contacted Harmon almost immediately after the contact period opened and got down to business with him.

“The running backs coach (Coach Merritt) hit me up, and we just talked about the leadership I am going to bring to Miami and the environment of Miami,” Harmon said.

Even before the contact period opened up, Harmon already had a sense of what Miami was like.

“They bring the energy,” Harmon continued. “I love the players like Javian Mallory, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher.”

Mallory is an incoming freshman running back at Miami, and he played high school ball at West Boca. Harmon just transferred to the South Florida power. The two of them have a great connection, and Mallory is recruiting Harmon to join him in college.

“He’s been telling me that Miami is the place to be and that it is great,” Harmon said.

Even though it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes are still in a prime position for the local three-star running back.

“I’m still not sure where I will go to school, but Miami is for sure at the top,” Harmon finished.

More About the 2028 Class

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2028 class will be crucial for the future of Miami. Arguably, the two best prospects of the past few years, Amir Sears and Bryson Wright, are right in the Hurricanes’ backyard, and the two could change the course of Hurricanes football if they come.

Overall, the 2028 class in Florida might be one of the best in any state ever. There is so much talent throughout the state, and Miami is looking to get a class that rivals this 2027 class, which is the top three in the country per Rivals.

Some other in-state prospects that the Hurricanes are targeting include Gabriel Player (four-star linebacker), Asher Ghioto (four-star defensive lineman), Antonio Thompson Jr. (four-star defensive back), and George Selvie (four-star offensive lineman), amongst a ton of others.

While Harmon is only a three-star now, it would not be surprising if he becomes a four-star by the end of his senior season.