It may have been a matchup of undefeated, top-10 teams, but there was no doubt who was the real national title contender Saturday, as the Florida State Seminoles emerged victorious over the Miami Hurricanes, 41-14.
Miami vs. Florida State 2013 final score: Seminoles take care of Hurricanes, 41-14
In a battle of undefeated and top-ten teams, Florida State had little trouble with the rival Hurricanes.
Mike Ehrmann
It wasn’t an entirely unexpected outcome -- our own Bill Connelly predicted Miami would have to be perfect and get lucky in order to stand a chance. Florida State fans began to chant “We Want ‘Bama” as the game came to a close, but the Seminoles will likely need to get some help if they are to make the national title game.
Florida State got on the board early, driving down the field on their opening drive and allowing Devonta Freeman to punch it in from five yards out. Miami responded before the end of the quarter, as Stephen Morris threw a bullet to Allen Hurns for a 33-yard score to tie it up.
The game got chippy at points, leading up to a moment of eye-gouging on the part of the Hurricanes during a fight.
The Seminoles got off to a quick start again in the second quarter, as their running backs got to work. James Wilder Jr.'s one-yard touchdown run gave Florida State the lead, and Jameis Winston found Freeman for a 48-yard score, making it 21-7. Miami was able to bring it back near the end of the quarter, on Stephen Morris's 14-yard touchdown pass to Hurns. Both of the 'Canes' first half touchdowns came after Winston interceptions.
Winston looked mortal at times, throwing those two interceptions and squinting at the sidelines without his contact lenses.
Wilder got FSU off to a strong start in the third quarter, as his five-yard run made it a two-touchdown lead again. Freeman scored a 12-yard touchdown to make it 35-14, and Florida State gradually pulled away with Miami seemingly unable to answer.
Miami suffered perhaps a bigger loss than the game, as star running back Duke Johnson suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury.
Box Score Hero: Devonta Freeman. The Seminoles’ running back had 22 carries for 76 yards and two scores while also catching five passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Rankings Ramifications: Florida State was ranked No. 3 in the BCS, while Miami was ranked No. 7. The Hurricanes will likely fall out of the top ten, while the Seminoles will probably stay put (unless the voters decide to jump FSU over a bye-week Oregon).
But Did They Cover? Florida State was a 21.5-point favorite, so yes.
For More On This Game: For the Miami reaction, head to State of the U. For the Florida State perspective, check out Tomahawk Nation.
Next Week’s Schedule: Miami hosts Virginia Tech while Florida State travels to Wake Forest.
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