No. 6 Miami keeps guard up ahead of clash vs. Florida State

One of the more celebrated rivalries in college football doesn't have that feel this year.

Sixth-ranked Miami (7-0, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) is a 21-point favorite against visiting Florida State (1-6, 1-5) on Saturday night.

However, Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said he doesn't focus on the Seminoles' record this year.

"It's an insanely awesome rivalry," he said. "I don't think the juice behind it will ever change."

Even so, the numbers show a huge disparity between the squads.

Miami ranks second in the nation in scoring (48.3 points per game) and leads the country in third-down conversions on offense (60.2 percent). Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward leads the nation in passing yards per game (363) and in touchdown throws (24).

The Hurricanes, who are off to their best start since opening 10-0 in 2017, also feature wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. He is averaging a robust 98.0 receiving yards per game.

Miami's issue the past three games is points allowed: 34 to Virginia Tech, 38 to Cal, and 45 to Louisville.

Not all those points are on Miami's defense, however. Ward threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown against the Bears, and the Cardinals scored on a 100-yard kickoff return.

Still, Miami's defense is a concern, especially the secondary, which is missing starting cornerback Damari Brown due to injury.

But Malik Bryant, who is part of Miami's rotation at defensive end, will be back this week after missing the Louisville game due to illness.

"I feel a sense of urgency," Cristobal said when asked about his defense. "You don't see a lack of effort. But there's been miscommunication. There have been missed tackles."

Florida State has won the three most recent matchups between the schools, but it isn't close to the same program that went 13-1 last year. The Seminoles returned only 10 of 24 starters.

Florida State is last in the 17-team ACC in scoring, averaging 15 points a game. The Seminoles are 12th in the league in points allowed (25.0).

The Seminoles are coming off a 23-16 loss at Duke last week. It was Duke's first-ever win against Florida State following 22 consecutive losses.

Seminoles freshman quarterback Brock Glenn turned the ball over on three consecutive plays against Duke, with two interceptions and one fumble.

After Glenn was benched, backup Luke Kromenhoek, also a freshman, completed 3 of 7 passes for just 19 yards.

"It's unfortunate ... some of the mistakes we made," Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. "I truly believe we were ready to play at a high level."

The Seminoles, who have lost three straight games, have to win their remaining five contests to become bowl eligible. Two of those opponents are ranked in the top 12 in the nation (Miami and Notre Dame), and North Carolina and Florida also are on the schedule.

A bright spot for Florida State last week was Samuel Singleton Jr.'s 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. That's especially interesting given Miami's kickoff-return lapse against Louisville.

Special teams also is a strength for the Seminoles, as Shyheim Brown has blocked two field goals this season.

On defense, FSU is led by ends Patrick Payton (four sacks) and Marvin Jones Jr. (three). Payton was the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year last season. Jones, a Miami native, transferred from Georgia.

--Field Level Media