The Florida State University (FSU) and University of Miami (UM) rivalry is one of the most intense and historic in college football. With a history spanning over six decades, this rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in the sport. Here are 10 key facts about the FSU-Miami rivalry that every fan should know.
Introduction to the Rivalry
The FSU-Miami rivalry began in 1951, when the two teams first met on the field. Since then, they have played each other 63 times, with Miami leading the series 35-30-4. The rivalry is fueled by the proximity of the two schools, with FSU located in Tallahassee and UM in Coral Gables, just a few hours apart. This proximity has created a natural geographic rivalry, with fans from both schools often traveling to away games to cheer on their team.
Early Years of the Rivalry
In the early years of the rivalry, Miami dominated the series, winning 14 of the first 20 meetings. However, FSU began to gain ground in the 1970s and 1980s, with the hiring of legendary coach Bobby Bowden in 1976. Under Bowden’s leadership, FSU won 12 of 19 meetings against Miami, including a streak of 7 consecutive wins from 1992 to 1998. This period is often referred to as the “golden age” of the rivalry, with both teams consistently ranking among the top programs in the country.
The rivalry has also been marked by some notable upsets, including FSU's 17-16 win over Miami in 1991, which ended the Hurricanes' 58-game home winning streak. This game is often cited as one of the greatest upsets in college football history, with FSU coming from behind to win in the final minutes of the game.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | FSU | 17-16 |
| 1992 | FSU | 19-16 |
| 1993 | FSU | 28-10 |
| 1994 | FSU | 31-20 |
| 1995 | FSU | 41-17 |
Modern Era of the Rivalry
In recent years, the FSU-Miami rivalry has continued to be one of the most intense and competitive in college football. The two teams have played each other 13 times since 2000, with Miami leading the series 7-6. The rivalry has been marked by some notable games, including FSU’s 33-20 win over Miami in 2013, which clinched the ACC championship for the Seminoles.
Notable Players and Coaches
The FSU-Miami rivalry has featured some of the greatest players and coaches in college football history. FSU legends such as Charlie Ward, Warrick Dunn, and Deion Sanders have all played significant roles in the rivalry, while Miami greats such as Vinny Testaverde, Jim Kelly, and Michael Irvin have also made their mark. On the coaching side, Bobby Bowden and Jimmy Johnson are two of the most iconic figures in the rivalry, with both men leading their teams to numerous victories over their rivals.
Some notable statistics from the rivalry include:
- FSU has outscored Miami 1,044-943 in the series.
- Miami has rushed for 100+ yards in 44 of the 63 meetings.
- FSU has thrown for 200+ yards in 30 of the 63 meetings.
What is the current state of the FSU-Miami rivalry?
+The FSU-Miami rivalry remains one of the most intense and competitive in college football. The two teams have a long history of success and a strong desire to beat each other, which continues to fuel the rivalry. In recent years, the series has been marked by some notable games, including FSU's 33-20 win over Miami in 2013, which clinched the ACC championship for the Seminoles.
Who are some of the most notable players and coaches in the FSU-Miami rivalry?
+Some of the most notable players in the FSU-Miami rivalry include Charlie Ward, Warrick Dunn, and Deion Sanders for FSU, and Vinny Testaverde, Jim Kelly, and Michael Irvin for Miami. On the coaching side, Bobby Bowden and Jimmy Johnson are two of the most iconic figures in the rivalry, with both men leading their teams to numerous victories over their rivals.
In conclusion, the FSU-Miami rivalry is one of the most historic and intense in college football. With a history spanning over six decades, the two teams have played each other 63 times, with Miami leading the series 35-30-4. The rivalry has been marked by some notable games, players, and coaches, and continues to be one of the most competitive and exciting series in the sport.
