There is a healthy belief among some up there that their defense is good (its not) and our defense is worse than 11 zombies (compelling, but also false), and that Jordan Travis (who they admit sucks but also might be given superpowers this game) just needs to complete “a few downfield shots to keep Miami honest in the run game”.
Here are some facts (that do not rely on our players getting a mythological ring of power from Sauron):
- Our defense is not good, like fire the DC not good, but we still only give up 17 more yards per game than their “vastly improved” and “formidable” defense.
- Points per game difference: 3.
- Miami‘s pass defense appears worse than FSU’s, for sure. Miami has also played 5 of the top 20 passers in the nation this year. FSU has played 3. They’re about to play their 4th, however.
- Jordan Travis is not in the top 100.
- Miami held Sam Howell to less yardage than FSU, passing and rushing. Also held Leary to less.
- “Yeah, but Miami is terrible against the run, which is what FSU does well.” Miami is better against the run than FSU, 153 ypg vs 135.
- As a point of comparison to these defense stats, Miami averages about 75 more yards and 4 points a game more on offense thank FSU does.
None of this is to even remotely suggest Miami has a good defense, we do not. We have a bad defense, and they have *maybe* a moderately less bad defense with 1 good unit: the DL, which cannot mask how atrocious their secondary is.
By contrast we are a legitimately good offense, (Top 25, top 5 the last few weeks) and their offense is bad (86th). I don’t blame FSU fans for talking themselves up this game, we are not anywhere near a dominant or complete team. Upsets happen, they can win this game, but we have a much bigger advantage on offense than they have on defense.