Miami vs Florida State: 2019-20 key storylines for Sunshine State clash

Setting an offensive tone

Miami’s ability to score from beyond the arc at a high level, as well as any added motivation that inter-state games tend to provoke, might help them keep things closer with the ACC’s biggest dog than most might expect.

Fueled by players such as Chris Lykes, Kameron McGusty, and Dejan Vasilijevic who continue to provide the offensive firepower this season, Miami’s offense undoubtedly appears superior to Florida State’s. At the moment, these top three scorers for Miami all average over 14 ppg, something nobody on the Florida State roster has been able to accomplish so far during this year’s campaign.

Somewhat underwhelming for a team-high, Devin Vassell continues to average just 12.6 ppg for the ‘Noles as their number one scoring option. Although Florida State still manages to get by offensively despite lacking any true scoring weapons, Miami definitely holds the upper hand from an offensive standpoint and will likely aim to take advantage of this factor by establishing a fast moving, offensive minded tone for the game early on.

In doing so, Miami can avoid a gritty, physical, and low-scoring game style which would certainly favor Florida State by playing to their strengths, rather than the other way around.