by Jean-Manuel Granda
This Saturday, thousands of fans filled the stands at the Hard Rock Stadium to witness the great Florida football rivalry between Miami and Florida State. And this time, Miami walked away with the victory 36-14.
Miami, entering with no losses this year under their belt and being ranked in the top ten, went into this game to solidify their place as the best team in the state this year, being led by Columbus Alumni and head coach Mario Cristobal. As for Florida State, they came down to South Florida to try to reclaim their pride and attempt to win their second game of the season, only having won one game out of their last seven, giving Seminoles Head Coach Mike Norvell, having an unsuccessful season after previously having a record of 13-1, coming in on top in the ACC last year.
3 minutes into the game, Mark Fletcher Jr., a sophomore, rushed a short one-yard touchdown after having a 67-yard drive. This was very sentimental as it wasn't just any touchdown, but his dad had actually passed the previous week, giving him a very special meaning. The Hurricanes went for the one-point conversion and it was good, as they now led 7-0. With the Seminoles lacking offensively and Miami's defense holding their hometown ground, they did not score at all in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Damien Martinez, who had a standout game, rushed for 18 yards and Borregales, their kicker, completed the conversion, giving the U another 7 points up on the board. Responding, Florida State QB Luke Kromenhoek led the offense, rushing for 14, 42 and then 12 to the 1-yard line where Caziah Holmes completed the job and gave the Noles their first touchdown. They were successful in their kick, bringing the score to 14-7. Miami, trying to have the last word in the half, made a last-minute field goal and added 3 points to their score last minute, making the score at halftime 17-7.
Deep in the third quarter, Andres Borregales gave Miami two other field goals, at 5:59 and 0:39 to bring Miami to 23-7, each being 40+ yards. Florida State's defense had a decently strong performance this quarter, but Miami was still able to get distance, with Martinez breaking through the line several times.
As the game reached its final quarter, Miami finally reached the endzone again late into the quarter when in a surprising move, star QB and Heisman favorite Miami QB Cam Ward caught a touchdown from TE Elijah Arroyo, going for 7 yards in a play called "Texas", as they are both native to the Lone Star State. The Hurricanes, now completely dominating at 29-7, go for the two-point conversion but failed.
After FSU had a failed possession, Miami's Damien Martinez got his second touchdown on the night, rushing for 87 yards in one play. With another good kick, the score is 36-7. Florida State, having the last word in the game, scores a touchdown at 18 seconds left in the game when WR Malik Benson completed a five-yard drive into the endzone. Ryan Fitzgerald, FSU kicker, completed the kick to finish the game 36-14.
The Hurricanes' 36-14 victory over the Florida State Seminoles showcased their defensive strength, offensive depth and strategic planning in this heated rivalry matchup. Each quarter demonstrated Miami's dominance, from relentless defensive stops to creative plays like Cam Ward's touchdown. Florida State unfortunately struggled to find rhythm, unable to keep up with Miami's pace and execution.
This win not only highlights Miami's dominance over the ACC but also adds another chapter to the historic rivalry, making Miami's position as a force in Florida college football concrete.
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