Florida State football is navigating a challenging period, with the Seminoles struggling to find consistency on the field. Head coach Mike Norvell faces the pressure of a hefty buyout, and the fan base is growing weary of the team's performance.
The Seminoles have managed only seven wins over two years, a stark contrast to the glory days under the legendary Bobby Bowden. Yet, the administration seems to have some faith in Norvell, opting to keep him at the helm.
Adding fuel to the rivalry fire, Seminole fans are watching Miami's recent success under coach Mario Cristobal, who led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Indiana. Miami's resurgence, after years of being out of the spotlight, has not gone unnoticed.
Despite Miami's recent victories over Florida State, Norvell still holds a 3-2 record against Cristobal. While Cristobal is known for his recruiting prowess, his teams had underperformed until this breakthrough year.
Georgia head coach and Florida State alum Kirby Smart recently took some playful jabs at Cristobal. Known for his wit, Smart poked fun at Cristobal's recruiting strategies, particularly in the context of NIL deals, referencing Miami's acquisition of Duke quarterback Darian Mensah.
Smart didn't stop there, highlighting that Steve Spurrier has more conference championships at Duke (one in 1989) than Cristobal has at Miami. This point resonates with Florida State fans, who frequently discuss Miami's struggles to clinch a conference title despite being in the ACC for two decades.
As the rivalry heats up, Florida State is looking for a way to reclaim its former glory, while Miami aims to build on its newfound success. Both teams are at pivotal moments, and the coming seasons will be crucial in shaping their futures.