Jordan Rodgers: Miami 'on upset alert' against Florida State in Week 6

Florida State is coming off a tough loss to Virginia, but Jordan Rodgers doesn’t think the Seminoles’ defeat changes much about their ferociousness. Heading into their clash with Miami, the ESPN analyst believes the Hurricanes are in a prime position to be upset by the Seminoles.

On Friday, Rodgers broke down why Florida State has the recipe to pull off a win against Miami. He pointed directly to the matchup between the Seminoles’ powerful rushing attack against the Hurricanes’ stout defense.

“They are on upset alert, because I don’t think what we saw last week — Florida State losing a shootout to Virginia — really changes anything,” Rodgers said via Get Up. “They can still run the football. They’re No. 2 in the country in rushing, but Miami is as good as it gets in run defense. They’re No. 8. And I think they’re a lot better in that.

“They shut down Notre Dame — (their running backs) only had 93 yards. They shut down Florida on the ground. So it’s strength on strength, which means Miami is going to lose this game before Florida State wins this game.”

This season, Miami has built its identity under Mario Cristobal with physicality at the line of scrimmage, and that will once again be the foundation in this high-stakes matchup. Rodgers, however, shifted the focus from the trenches to quarterback Carson Beck. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but the transfer star has also struggled with turnovers.

“I’m talking directly to Carson Beck,” Rodgers continued. “We’ve seen more of the Georgia version of Carson Beck the last couple weeks — three interceptions in the last two games. He’s forcing throws.

“Carson needs to play like a quarterback that realizes he has an elite run game with Mark Fletcher, hand it off, and an elite defense. You don’t have to play Superman. If he doesn’t turn the football over, Miami should win this.”

All told, Rodgers’ assessment reflects the myriad of questions Miami faces. With one of the best defenses in the nation and a rushing attack capable of wearing down opponents, the Hurricanes have the tools to control the game. But if Beck presses and turns the ball over, Florida State will be quick to capitalize, he believes.

In a matchup that could shape the ACC race, Rodgers sees a clear path for Florida State to secure a statement win at home over Miami. The challenge is simple, but the Hurricanes will be out to prove this isn’t the same old team we’ve seen disappoint in recent seasons.