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Mario Cristobal shares what Miami vs. Florida State rivalry means to him

FaceProfileby: Thomas Goldkamp10/06/25
Mario Cristobal UF
Sep 20, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal reacts after the game against the Florida Gators at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami came out and steamrolled Florida State, taking a 28-3 lead in the contest on Saturday night before letting off the gas a bit and allowing the Seminoles to score some late. But the victory was never really in doubt.

And after the game, the Hurricanes players and staffers celebrated like you might expect them to. A state champions sign came out, recognizing Miami’s wins this season over the likes of South Florida, Florida and now Florida State.

“I mean that’s always, it’s such a big deal,” coach Mario Cristobal said. “This has nothing to do with me, but I played here and I know what it means to play in this game, especially up here in Tallahassee and what a victory means. Especially in a game that it’s been years since both teams were ranked in the top 20, top 10.”

Miami was excellent through most of the evening. Quarterback Carson Beck bounced back from a shakier performance in the win over Florida with a masterclass against Florida State.

He finished with four touchdown passes — some aided by his receivers making ridiculous runs after the catch — and 241 yards passing. While Tommy Castellanos put up more passing yardage, it was mostly in catch-up mode.

And now the victors get to enjoy the spoils. Miami fully plans to enjoy them.

“So many high school rivalries, players playing against each other,” Cristobal said. “It lasts an entire year, man. It’s such an important thing. Being a University of Miami Hurricane means that this game, you find a way to get it done. That’s always been part of the DNA.

“Credit to them, coach (Mike) Norvell has got a really good football team and they prepare well and they play hard. But credit to the guys in our locker room, they found a way to get it done.”

The win was Miami’s second straight in the series, with the ‘Canes looking to establish a new winning streak. The program won four straight from 2017-2020, then watched the ‘Noles win the next three.

For Cristobal and company, the win will be celebrated and then put in the past. The team enters a bye week this week before a contest against Louisville on Oct. 17.