How Hurricanes vs FSU: A Long-Standing Rivalry in College Football

The state of Florida is no stranger to intense storms, but when it comes to the world of college football, the Hurricanes and Seminoles have been brewing their own brand of rivalry for generations. The University of Miami Hurricanes and Florida State University Seminoles have been clashing on the gridiron since 1951, and their legendary rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in the sport.

A Rivalry Born

The origins of the Hurricanes-Seminoles rivalry date back to the early days of Florida college football. Both teams were founded in the late 19th century, with Miami being established in 1927 and Florida State in 1947. The two schools were both members of the Southern Conference, a precursor to the modern-day Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and their initial meetings were largely non-conference affairs.

The Early Years

The first game between the Hurricanes and Seminoles took place in 1951, with Miami emerging victorious with a 14-13 win. Over the next few decades, the rivalry remained relatively low-key, with the two teams playing each other sporadically. However, in the 1980s, the rivalry began to heat up, thanks in large part to the arrival of legendary coaches in both programs.

The Richt Era

In 1993, Miami hired Mark Richt, a former assistant coach under legendary Hurricane coach Howard Schnellenberger, as its new head coach. Richt brought a sense of stability and competitiveness to the program, and his presence helped to elevate the rivalry to new heights. During his tenure, Miami won five conference championships and appeared in nine bowl games, including a national championship in 2001.

The Bowden Era

Meanwhile, Florida State was experiencing its own surge in success under coach Bobby Bowden. Bowden, a Hall of Fame coach, led the Seminoles to two national championships and 12 ACC championships during his 34-year tenure. His teams were known for their physical, hard-hitting style, which often led to intense and physical battles against their rival Hurricanes.

The Modern Era

In the 21st century, the rivalry has continued to thrive, with both programs experiencing their fair share of ups and downs. Miami has won several conference championships, including a national title in 2001, while Florida State has also enjoyed success, including a streak of five consecutive ACC titles from 1999-2003.

Recent Years

In recent years, the rivalry has taken on a new level of intensity, with both teams competing for conference supremacy in the ACC. The Hurricanes have won several BIG games, including a narrow 25-24 win in 2018, while the Seminoles have been working to rebuild their program under coach Willie Taggart.

The Future

The future of the Hurricanes-Seminoles rivalry looks bright, with both programs showing signs of improvement and a renewed commitment to competing for conference and national championships. Whether you’re a die-hard Canes fan or a passionate ‘Noles backer, there’s no denying that this rivalry is one of the most exciting and passionate in college football.

Conclusion

The Hurricanes vs FSU rivalry is a testament to the importance of rivalry in college football. Two programs with rich histories and a deep-seated hatred for each other have been creating fireworks on the gridiron for generations. Whether you’re a fan of Miami or Florida State, the one thing you can count on is a hard-hitting, adrenaline-fueled matchup when these two teams take the field. So, grab your scarves and pom-poms and get ready to join the battle for supremacy in the Sunshine State!