The Miami Hurricanes’ defense is better than the Florida State Seminoles’ defense. Don’t go running to your optometrist, you read that correctly. Just a year ago, FSU had the 3rd ranked defense in the country and Miami had the 90th ranked defense in the country, but the tables have since turned. This year, the Canes’ defense ranks way better than that of the Seminoles in just about every major statistical category. Whether it is a result of a change in coaching philosophy, a growth and maturing of the players, or a little of both, it is clear that Miami’s defense has outperformed the Noles’ so far.

Last year, the Canes were one of the worst defenses in the country, ranking 90th in total defense. This year, the Canes have risen to 11th in total defense while FSU has dropped all the way to 63rd. Miami is giving up nearly 80 yards less per game than Florida State and also ranks 10 spots higher than the Seminoles in scoring defense. Even when you take out the cupcake opponents that both teams played and only include games against power 5 opponents, Miami’s defense is still ranked substantially higher than FSU’s. Against Power 5 teams, Miami still ranks more than 20 spots higher than FSU in total defense and is allowing 62 yards per game less than the Noles. The Canes are winning the turnover battle too. Miami ranks 15th in turnovers forced and 45th in turnover margin, while FSU ranks 50th in turnovers forced and 76th in turnover margin.

For those that want to blame strength of schedule for the statistical disparities between the defenses of Miami and FSU, we’ll narrow it down simply to games against FBS division 1 teams with winning records. To this point, Miami has played 6 FBS division 1 teams with winning records and FSU has played 5. In the games that meet this qualification, Miami is giving up 87 yards per game less than FSU and ranks 52 spots higher than the Noles in total defense. In these same games against FBS teams with winning records, Miami ranks 39th in scoring defense while FSU isn’t even top 50. No matter how you twist it, the Canes’ defense has clearly outplayed the Noles’ defense.

This prime time match-up between the Hurricanes and the Seminoles is being held at SunLife Stadium, which should help the Canes even more. Miami’s defense has played even better at home, while Florida States’ defense has struggled mightily on the road. The Canes are giving up just 277.4 yards per game at home, that’s 35 yards less than their season average of 312.4 yards per game.

In home games, FSU’s defense is allowing 331.3 yards per game, which is an astounding 114.7 yards less than the 446 yards per game they are allowing on the road. Miami’s defense is allowing 8.3 points per game less at home than on the road and FSU is allowing 16 points per game more on the road than they are at home.

The Canes’ defense is playing with a more attacking style lately and appears to be turning that corner to becoming an elite defense again. The coaches are sending more pressure, mixing up their blitzes and allowing the defense to play to the strength of its players. Last years’ Miami team may have been highly ranked in the polls coming into the FSU game, but it is evident to everybody that has watched them that this Miami team is playing at a level that last year’s team never reached.

Couple that with the fact that this years’ FSU team is not nearly as good as last years’ and we’re squaring up for one heck of a battle on November 15th.