MIAMI GARDENS — Carson Beck viewed Miami Hurricanes football’s three game stretch vs. South Florida, Florida and Florida State as a test.
The Hurricanes reward for passing:
State pride.
Oh, and a good chance at the program’s first ACC title and a College Football Playoff.
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The ‘Canes moved one step closer to being the best team in the Sunshine State with a 26-7 win over Florida Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The toughest challenge remains, though — a visit to No. 9 FSU on Oct. 4 — in a game that’ll be the Seminoles biggest in over a year.
Beck, a Jacksonville native, understands the significance of the in-state title. After spending his first five seasons at Georgia, he’s enjoyed getting to experience this stretch.
“It’s this round-robin of Florida teams, which is cool,” Beck said. “I’ve never played in that stadium (Doak Campbell). Really excited for that experience.”
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Make it a special last game
With the SEC expanding to nine conference games in 2026, it is likely to spell the end of the Florida-Miami rivalry. The two don’t have a game scheduled.
Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal expressed his sadness at the conclusion of the rivalry.
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) reacts before the snap against the Florida Gators during the first quarter Sept. 20, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
“This game should be on the schedule every year,” Cristobal said. “It’s a shame it’s not.”
The coach said murky future inspired the ‘Canes to take advantage of the opportunity. UM hasn’t lost to UF in Miami since 1985, and this group didn’t want to be responsible for ending that streak.
“These guys understand the importance of this rivalry,” Cristobal said. “There’s a lot of bad blood, but there’s also respect.”
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Beck grew up a Florida fan, but as a Bulldog and now Hurricane, he’s learned to despite the Orange and Blue. He praised the Gator defense, and the difficulties they provided Miami’s offense.
“They have only given up two touchdowns prior to tonight,” Beck said. “I thought we ran the ball really well. This is a rainy game, and it’s all ball security and physically imposing our will on them.”
Closer to the ‘Canes of old
The Hurricanes certainly did impose their will on the Gators and did so with an aggressive brand of football on defense. Hard hits and swagger – like the ‘Canes of old.
“ESV. Excitement, swarm, violence,” linebacker Mohammed Toure said. “You get to play football. Some people at home wish they could play this game. We keep that mentality and attack every single day.”
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In general, Saturday offered a unique chance for Miami to show itself off – in front of over 100 recruits. ESPN’s “College GameDay” telecasted the show from Coral Gables, and Saturday’s win proved the ‘Canes are on their way to potentially reclaiming the dominance of old.
Miami Hurricanes tight end Elija Lofton (9) hurdles over Florida Gators defensive back Devin Moore (28) during the second quarter Sept. 20, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
“Hopefully everyone got to see we have the best university on the planet,” Cristobal said. “The energy our students brought was unbelievable.”
Business week, not bye week
Florida State’s turnaround this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a two win season in 2024, the Seminoles are 3-0. They beat No. 14 Alabama by two touchdowns and have since won their last two by a combined score of 143-13. Yes, it was over East Tennessee State and Kent State.
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But the ‘Noles are on a mission to look like the FSU squads of old – just like Miami.
Beck and Cristobal emphasized the need for the Hurricanes to make the week off one for work and regrouping.
“This is not a time to play games, not a time to step back,” Beck said. “Let’s get better at the things we need to get better at, so when we head into Tallahassee, we’re ready.”
Marty Fletcher Jr. said the team needs to eliminate the outside noise and rat poison.
A kickoff time has yet to be determined for the game at Doak.
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami football makes loud statement beating Florida Gators. FSU next
