I enrolled at the University of Miami in 2005. I never rooted for the Hurricanes growing up, but the months leading up to orientation I quickly became on board and became a fan.
We started out that year ranked in the top 10, a strong contender for another national championship. And the very first game of that season was against the hated Florida State Seminoles. Labor Day night. On the road. Primetime on national television.
It was my introduction to a rivalry. And, it was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
Of course, we would up losing that game (something I got very accustomed to over the next eight years). Muffed a snap on a field goal and lost by three.
But the result that night doesn’t matter, because that Labor Day I became a part of a rivalry. That night FSU became an enemy.
Rivalries define college football. They separate it from the NFL and other professional sports.
Florida-Georgia. Alabama-Auburn. Texas-Oklahoma. Notre Dame-USC. Michigan-Ohio State.
They give teams added motivation, fans an enemy and the game a spectacle rooted in traditions, heartbreaks and triumphs.
They are why we watch. They are why we care.
Saturday night, the rivalry continues. Miami. Florida State. Top 10 showdown under the lights.
Go ‘Canes.
Bar to Spend 11 Hours of Your Saturday
First Down Sports Bar. Right across from the Ballston metro, this classic neighborhood sports bar has the best chicken wings in the area, with something like 40 different sauces to try (Siricha being the go to). They’ve got all your games covered with wall-to-wall TVs, and its one of the many homes in the area for West Virginia and Virginia Tech fans to congregate during game days.
Three Must See Rivalry Games
Michigan (21) vs. Michigan State (22)
ABC, 3:30 p.m.
The Spartans have an incredible defense, holding opponents to just 12 points per game, and they are criminally underrated with just one loss on the season. They have a legitimate shot of heading to the B1G Ten title game for a chance to play in the Rose Bowl. Michigan has been unimpressive all year, giving up tons of points and lacking execution on offense and special teams. They won’t win on the road against the better MSU team.
Georgia (NR) vs. Florida (NR)
CBS, 3:30 p.m.
The game formerly known as the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is a bit of a downer this year, with both the Gators and Bulldogs struggling with injuries. The fans will still have a good time, until the game starts and they have to watch the horrid Florida offense. I’ll take Georgia to win.
Miami (7) vs. Florida State (3)
ABC, 8:00 p.m.
Miami is a 22 point underdog in this game, which is a record for two top 10 teams. Look, Florida State is the better team. But they aren’t 22 points better. This rivalry is full of weird, fluky things; blowouts aren’t one of them. Miami covers the spread, and what the hell, they win this one on the road for the major upset.
Season Prediction Record: 17-10.
Games to Watch Just Because It’s College Football
Tennessee vs. Alabama CBS, 3:30 p.m.
Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech FOX, 7:00 p.m.
Nevada vs. Fresno State ESPNU, 10:30 p.m.
Alumni Club
The DC Canes. One of Miami’s largest local alumni clubs, the DC Canes proved its collective worth last spring by out donating the Boston chapter in a spirited fundraising drive hosted by the university. Nowadays, the DC Canes pack PQST on game day where they host a halftime raffle for a local scholarship. Prizes have included Canes gear, fresh seafood, wine and even a Jägermeister shot machine!
GIF of the Week
Courtesy of Reddit.
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