Fansided

College Football: 20 best rivalry games to watch in 2018

By Maitland Rutledge

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 7: Florida State Seminoles line up against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 7: Florida State Seminoles line up against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

7. Florida State vs. Miami

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was arguably more talent on the field when the Canes and Seminoles played than in some NFL stadiums. Some would argue they could beat a few teams in the league. With players like Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Jerome Brown and Derrick Brooks one could make a case.

Young men growing up in South Florida know all about this clash of in-state rivals. Every high school recruit from the 305 wants to be a part of the show. This matchup may lack the long-term tradition and history of other rivalries, but the hostility makes up for it.

Buffalo Bills fans are forever waking up from nightmares of “Wide Right”, but Florida State fans know the feeling all too well. With opportunities to win, Seminole kickers missed game-winning field goals in 1991, 1992, 2000, 2002 and 2004, although the one in 2002 was actually wide left.

While Miami leads the series 32-30, Florida State has dominated the last decade. At one point the Seminoles won seven in a row from 2010 to 2016. Miami continued to suffer from the infamous “Nevin Shapiro” scandal while making several coaching changes.

Now Florida State is in a similar predicament with Willie Taggart taking over as head coach after the departure of Jimbo Fisher. Mark Richt and the Canes won a 24-20 nail-bitter last year and have National Championship aspirations for 2018. With new leading men, a new era in this rivalry might be born this season.