Hurricanes HC Mario Cristobal Discusses Matchup Against FSU, Importance of In-State Rivalry
The Florida State Seminoles have just one conference game remaining in the 2023 season after their win against Pitt, which clinched a spot in the ACC Championship game for FSU. Many Seminole fans are ecstatic to see Florida State back on top but two of the most important games of the season still have yet to be played, and one of them is this Saturday in Tallahassee.
Since 1951, the Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes have fought on the gridiron as in-state rivals. While Miami has gotten the best of FSU all time with a 35-32 series lead, the Seminoles are on a two-game winning streak after a close win in 2021 and a whopping 45-3 win in 2022.
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The Hurricanes have been a historically good program as the team has five national titles and they are currently 6-3 (2-3 in ACC) after starting the season 4-0. Though the on-field performance has been lackluster at best in recent games, the ‘Canes are hungry and pose a threat to the undefeated Seminoles.
In his weekly press conference, Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal discussed his team’s mentality going into the rivalry game and the success Florida State has shown this season under head coach Mike Norvell.
“I think it’s always a good time for a rivalry game, it’s what college football has always been and will always be about,” Cristobal said. “The intensity, the pageantry, and the passion behind it is awesome, it’s incomparable.”
Many coaches can say they know what it’s like to coach in such a heated environment but it is rare for a coach to be able to say they know what it’s like to play in a rivalry game as big as FSU vs UM. Cristobal is an exception to that as he won two national titles with the Hurricanes from 1988-1992. He noted that this rivalry is different than most, and the intensity of both teams is unlike any other.
“I think it’s the best one. I’ve played in it, coached in it, I just think it’s the best one there is, the intensity is unmatched.”
While the fight in the players will certainly be visible on Saturday, the fight and intensity are built through practices like no other. The coaches ensure the players are aware of what a victory would mean to each respective university, and the preparation going into the game is what will allow the team to walk away victorious.
“The intensity behind practice and preparation is always the most important thing. You’ve got to be able to win your Monday through Friday because your practice and preparation is going to end up being your game reality,” Cristobal said. “And then come game time making sure that practice and preparation makes its way onto the field in the form of high-level execution and in the form of not creating your own turnovers.”
The Hurricanes are preparing to give it their all against FSU but Cristobal is aware that the Seminoles have higher goals. He noted the team’s talent and experience is a key reason they are going to be fighting for championships this season.
“They’re a very upperclassmen lead team, very talented, very stout, big, and strong at the line of scrimmage, and very explosive at the skill positions, the quarterback is certainly a difference maker.”
The Seminoles host the Hurricanes this Saturday, November 11 in Doak Campbell Stadium in the 68th edition of the rivalry game. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ABC.
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