Miami vs Florida State

This weekend Florida State will host Miami in one of college football’s greatest intrastate rivalries with “The U” holding a slight 31-28 edge. Coming into this matchup, the Seminoles, ranked #12 are undefeated while Miami is unranked coming off a loss to Cincinnati and will certainly be looking to spoil the Noles’ season.

While the series dates back to 1951, it didn’t take on national importance until the late 80’s. From 1984-2005, Florida State finished in the top 25 every year and Miami was ranked 21 out of the 22 years. In those seasons, the two combined for six national titles, 25 top-five finishes and more than a few memorable kicks!

1987 – FSU lost a heartbreaker 26-25 after failing on a two-point conversion at the end of the game. After handing Florida State their only loss of the season, Miami went on to win the National Championship.

1991 – In a #1 vs #2 matchup, FSU had the lead early before Hall of Famer Gino Torretta led The U on a 4th quarter comeback to take the lead 17-16. The Noles had one final chance to win the game with a 34-yard field goal that was missed and will forever be known as Wide Right I.

1992 – The very next year, the teams entered the ranked #2 and #3 just behind top ranked Washington. Down 3, FSU lined up for the last play of the game, a 39-yard field goal – which was missed again earning the title Wide Right II.

2000 – Another matchup down to the wire, this game featured three touchdowns and a field goal attempt in the last four minutes of play! Once again, the Noles lined up for a last-second field goal to tie the game… You guessed it, Wide Right III.

2002 – The defending National Champion, Miami Hurricanes were once again the top-ranked team in the country and the Noles were a decided underdog, ranked #9. While FSU surprised everyone by taking an early lead, Miami staged a late comeback taking the lead 28-27. What happened next? That’s right, the Noles marched down the field and lined up for yet another game-winning, last-second field goal. Only this one went – WIDE LEFT!

2003 – This year featured two meetings between these bitter rivals with the final coming in the Orange Bowl and Florida State’s kicker had a chance at redemption from the miss the previous year. With five minutes to play, trailing 16-14, they lined up for a 39-yard kick now known as Wide Right IV!

There is never a shortage of drama when these two teams meet and while this week’s matchup may not have National Championship implications, you can bet Florida State’s kicker has been practicing hard all week!