Florida State’s weekly trip into rivalry mode is once again being measured by the availability report, and the latest update brought one small but welcome change for the Seminoles ahead of their matchup with No. 3 Miami.
On Friday, the teams released their second availability report, and Florida State made just one adjustment. Sophomore defensive back Zae Thomas was taken off the list, moving him from probable to available. The South Florida native could factor on defense or special teams, depending on how things unfold.
The Seminoles are still dealing with questions elsewhere, though. Offensive lineman Paul Bowling and defensive lineman Darryll Desir remain probable, just as they were on Wednesday and Thursday. Bowling has started four straight games, while Desir is back after missing time with an illness and returned last weekend.
Between the two programs, 15 players have already been ruled out.
Miami also got some clarity from head coach Mario Cristobal, who said defensive lineman Marquise Lightfoot, linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., defensive back Xavier Lucas, and defensive back Damari Brown are expected to play against Florida State.
The matchup carries the usual weight in Tallahassee’s rivalry build-up. Florida State breaks a rock after every win, and the only two rocks flipped upside down in the weight room are Miami and Florida, a nod to the games that mean a little more on the Seminoles’ calendar.
The recent results haven’t tilted Florida State’s way. The Seminoles have dropped the last two meetings with Miami and have not won outside of Tallahassee since late in the 2023 season. Still, the game is being played for a reason, even if the odds are stacked against them.
In Other News...
Florida State Faces A Rivalry Test That Could Define This Season
Florida State walks into one of the biggest stages on its schedule Saturday night, heading to Hard Rock Stadium for the annual rivalry meeting with third-ranked Miami. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN, and even before the opening whistle, the matchup carries the feel of a measuring-stick game for the Seminoles against a team with postseason ambitions and plenty of momentum.
The numbers around the game underscore the challenge. Florida State has had some success in Miami over the years, but the Hurricanes still own the all-time series edge, and the betting line reflects how steep the task looks on paper, with the Seminoles listed as 20.5-point underdogs in a game with an over/under of 56.5. For Florida State, it is the kind of rivalry test that can reshape the conversation around a season in a hurry, for better or worse. [Read more 🡒]