Florida State and Miami: A Rivalry Defined by Kicking Woes
As the sun sets over Tallahassee this Saturday night, the air will be thick with anticipation as Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Miami prepare to clash in a highly awaited football rivalry. This year’s matchup is particularly significant, with Miami ranked No. 3 and Florida State at No. 18 in the latest Associated Press Poll. It marks the first time since 2016 that both teams enter the game with Top 25 rankings, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
A Historical Context of Rivalry
The rivalry between the Seminoles and the Hurricanes is one of the most storied in college football, characterized by intense competition and memorable moments. Since 1990, the two teams have faced off in seven ranked matchups, and a peculiar trend has emerged: the impact of missed field goals. This phenomenon has shaped the narrative of their encounters, often determining the outcome of tightly contested games.
The last time these two teams met with such high stakes, the game was marred by kicking failures, a trend that has become almost legendary. The infamous “Wide Right” saga began in 1991 and has since become a defining aspect of this rivalry.
The Birth of “Wide Right”
The saga began on November 16, 1991, when Florida State, ranked No. 1, faced off against No. 2 Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium. The game was a nail-biter, culminating in a 34-yard field goal attempt by FSU’s Gerry Thomas as time expired. Unfortunately for the Seminoles, the kick veered just to the right, giving Miami a 17-16 victory and birthing the term “Wide Right.” This moment not only defined that game but also set the tone for future encounters.
The Sequel: “Wide Right II”
The following year, the two teams met again, both undefeated and ranked in the top five. Once more, the game came down to a field goal attempt, this time by Florida State’s Dan Mowrey. With the clock winding down, Mowrey’s kick again sailed wide right, sealing Miami’s victory at 19-16. The recurrence of this theme led to the moniker “Wide Right II,” further embedding the kicking failures into the rivalry’s lore.
A Brief Respite
After the early ’90s, the “Wide Right” phenomenon seemed to fade, but it returned with a vengeance in 2000. In a thrilling game, Florida State found itself trailing 20-10 before scoring two quick touchdowns. As time expired, Matt Munyon attempted a 49-yard field goal to win the game, but it too went wide right. Legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden humorously remarked, “Wouldn’t you know it? He’s been wide left all year, and then that happens.”
The Shift to “Wide Left”
In 2002, the rivalry took a twist with the introduction of “Wide Left.” Florida State had built a 27-14 lead, but Miami rallied back to take the lead. With just one second remaining, FSU’s Xavier Beitia attempted a 43-yard field goal, only to see it hook wide left. This moment marked a shift in the narrative, as the Seminoles experienced the agony of a missed opportunity.
The Final Chapter of the “Wide Right” Saga
The “Wide Right” saga continued in 2004, albeit in a different form. In a closely contested game, Florida State found itself down by two points with just over five minutes left. A missed field goal attempt by Miami proved crucial, allowing the Seminoles to escape with a narrow victory.
In 2005, the tides turned once more. After losing six consecutive matchups, Florida State finally triumphed, thanks in part to a fumbled snap on a potential game-tying field goal by Miami. Coach Bowden’s relief was palpable as he declared, “We finally stole one.”
The Most Recent Kicking Woes
The most recent chapter in this saga unfolded in 2016 when Florida State faced Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. After falling behind 13-0, the Seminoles rallied to take a 20-13 lead. However, Miami scored a late touchdown, seemingly setting up a game-tying extra point. In a twist of fate, the extra point was blocked, allowing Florida State to secure a 20-19 victory.
The Stakes for Saturday’s Game
As the two teams prepare to meet again, the history of missed field goals looms large. The stakes are high, and both teams are aware that a single kick could determine the outcome. The legacy of “Wide Right” and its variations serves as a reminder of the pressure that comes with such critical moments.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, knowing that the history of this rivalry suggests anything can happen when it comes to clutch kicking situations. The ghosts of past failures may haunt both teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already intense matchup.
Conclusion
The Florida State-Miami rivalry is not just about the players on the field; it is steeped in history, emotion, and unforgettable moments. As the two teams prepare to clash once again, the specter of missed field goals hangs in the air, reminding everyone that in this rivalry, every kick counts. Whether it’s a “Wide Right” or a “Wide Left,” the outcome could hinge on the most unexpected of moments, making this Saturday’s game one for the ages.
