Florida State-Miami game to be played as scheduled

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – The University of Miami's rivalry game against Florida State is still on.

Miami athletic director Blake James said at this time no decision has been made to cancel or postpone the game.

"We are monitoring Hurricane Matthew and are in constant contact with stadium personnel," James said. "We are hopeful that the impact of Hurricane Matthew will be minimal and the game between the Hurricanes and Seminoles will be played as planned."

The status of the game remained in question because of the threat of Hurricane Matthew.

FSU athletic director Stan Wilcox said Tuesday that it's possible that the No. 23 Seminoles (3-2, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) will have to adjust their travel schedule depending on the storm's path.

The Seminoles, who typically travel on Thursday for Saturday games, have not adjusted their itinerary, but Wilcox said the team might have to leave Friday morning instead.

Fans of both teams have expressed concern that the game won't be played, but FSU coach Jimbo Fisher and Miami coach Mark Richt were preparing their teams as though they'll still take the field Saturday night.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez addressed the concern during a Wednesday morning news conference on Hurricane Matthew, saying that no decision on the game has been made.

"I know some people are worried about that," Gimenez said.

The Seminoles have won six straight against state rival Miami (4-0, 1-0 ACC) and haven't lost to the Hurricanes in South Florida since 2004.

From a football perspective, rescheduling the game might be to Florida State's advantage.

The Seminoles began the season with national championship aspirations, but their struggling defense no doubt has Miami fans excited about the prospect of ending the losing streak. The Hurricanes have all the momentum going into the game, unless a hurricane stands in their way.

It's been more than a decade since the last Florida State-Miami game had to be rescheduled. The Hurricanes were scheduled to host FSU on Labor Day in 2004 when the game was postponed because of Hurricane Frances. The teams played four days later, when Miami defeated the Seminoles 16-10 in overtime.

The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday. It can be seen on Local 10.