University of Miami

What’s the UM vs. FSU rivalry really like? See how it’s looked through the years

By Miami Herald Archives

Wide right. Wide left. Close games. Blowouts.

Through the decades, the Miami-FSU football rivalry has seen it all. Even a mascot showdown between Sebastian the Ibis and Chief Osceola and his horse.

We’re approaching another showdown this season. But before the University of Miami and the Florida State Seminoles take the field, let’s look back in the Miami Herald photo archives at what the rivalry has looked like:

In 2004, FSU’s Brodrick Bunkley sticks his finger in the face of UM’s Joel Rodriguez during the first half of a game at the Orange Bowl.
In 2004, FSU’s Brodrick Bunkley sticks his finger in the face of UM’s Joel Rodriguez during the first half of a game at the Orange Bowl. Jared Lazarus Miami Herald File
UM vs. FSU in 1978 at the Orange Bowl.
UM vs. FSU in 1978 at the Orange Bowl. Bob East Miami Herald File
A UM-FSU showdown in the 1970s.
A UM-FSU showdown in the 1970s. Miami Herald File
The Hurricanes score against he Seminoles in an early 1970s game.
The Hurricanes score against he Seminoles in an early 1970s game. Miami Herald File
An early 1970s game when UM wore green and FSU had the state of Florida on its helmets.
An early 1970s game when UM wore green and FSU had the state of Florida on its helmets. Miami Herald File
An FSU-UM matchup in 1970.
An FSU-UM matchup in 1970. Miami Herald File
A 1966 game between the Seminoles and the Hurricanes.
A 1966 game between the Seminoles and the Hurricanes. Bob East Miami Herald File
In 2004, FSU kicker Xavier Beitia watches his kick go wide right as UM’s #50 Roger McIntosh celebrates.
In 2004, FSU kicker Xavier Beitia watches his kick go wide right as UM’s #50 Roger McIntosh celebrates. Joe Rimkus Jr. Miami Herald File
In 2002, FSU's Xavier Beitia kicks a field goal wide left at the end of the game.The Canes beat the Seminoles 28-27
In 2002, FSU's Xavier Beitia kicks a field goal wide left at the end of the game.The Canes beat the Seminoles 28-27 Al Diaz Miami Herald File
UM quarterback Craig Erickson is sacked by FSU in the Orange Bowl.
UM quarterback Craig Erickson is sacked by FSU in the Orange Bowl. Joe Rimkus Jr. Miami Herald File
UM vs. FSU action in 1990 at the Orange Bowl.
UM vs. FSU action in 1990 at the Orange Bowl. Andrew Innerarity Miami Herald File
A Miami Herald sports section on UM’s 19-16 victory.
A Miami Herald sports section on UM’s 19-16 victory. Miami Herald
UM coach Howard Schnellenberger and FSU coach Bobby Bowden.
UM coach Howard Schnellenberger and FSU coach Bobby Bowden. Miami Herald File
In 1997, the University of Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. FSU backup QB Dan Jendra scrambles away from UM DE Derrick Ham late in the third quarter.
In 1997, the University of Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. FSU backup QB Dan Jendra scrambles away from UM DE Derrick Ham late in the third quarter. DAVID BERGMAN Miami Herald File
In 2002, UM's Kellen Winslow hauls in a pass over FSU's Jerome Carter during the Canes' 28-27 win at the Orange Bowl.
In 2002, UM's Kellen Winslow hauls in a pass over FSU's Jerome Carter during the Canes' 28-27 win at the Orange Bowl. Jared Lazarus Miami Herald File
In 2002, FSU coach Bobby Bowden and UM coach Larry Coker greet each other at mid-field before the game at the orange Bowl.
In 2002, FSU coach Bobby Bowden and UM coach Larry Coker greet each other at mid-field before the game at the orange Bowl. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
In 1998, FSU QB Chris Weinke greets UM QB Scott Covington after the FSU victory.
In 1998, FSU QB Chris Weinke greets UM QB Scott Covington after the FSU victory. DAVID BERGMAN Miami Herald File
In 2001 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, UM's Jonathan Vilma takes down FSU's Nick Maddox.
In 2001 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, UM's Jonathan Vilma takes down FSU's Nick Maddox. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
In 2003, UM QB Brock Berlin comforts FSU QB Chris Rix after the game, a 22-14 Hurricanes victory.
In 2003, UM QB Brock Berlin comforts FSU QB Chris Rix after the game, a 22-14 Hurricanes victory. Jared Lazarus Miami Herald File
In 2004 at the Orange Bowl, UM's Thomas Carroll, left, and Kareem Brown, center, put pressure on FSU QB Chris Rix. UM won 16-10 in overtime during their season opener.
In 2004 at the Orange Bowl, UM's Thomas Carroll, left, and Kareem Brown, center, put pressure on FSU QB Chris Rix. UM won 16-10 in overtime during their season opener. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
In 2000, UM defeated No, 1 Florida State 27-24 at the Orange Bowl. Canes QB Ken Dorsey and the crowd celebrate DJ Williams’ one-yard TD run in the second quarter that put UM up 14-0.
In 2000, UM defeated No, 1 Florida State 27-24 at the Orange Bowl. Canes QB Ken Dorsey and the crowd celebrate DJ Williams’ one-yard TD run in the second quarter that put UM up 14-0. DAVID BERGMAN Miami Herald File
UM quarterback Jacory Harris runs for a first down in the first quarter while FSU Kendal Smith tries to stop him during the game of the University of MIami and Florida State on Saturday Oct 9,2010 at Sun Life Stadium in MIami Gardens.
UM quarterback Jacory Harris runs for a first down in the first quarter while FSU Kendal Smith tries to stop him during the game of the University of MIami and Florida State on Saturday Oct 9,2010 at Sun Life Stadium in MIami Gardens. Hector Gabino el Nuevo Herald File
UM's Sebastian the Ibis (John Routh) is slammed against the fences by Leon County deputies after carrying a fire extinguisher near Renegade, Florida State's Appaloosa mascot, before the start of the UM-FSU game at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
UM's Sebastian the Ibis (John Routh) is slammed against the fences by Leon County deputies after carrying a fire extinguisher near Renegade, Florida State's Appaloosa mascot, before the start of the UM-FSU game at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Joe Rimkus Jr. Miami Herald File

This story was originally published September 29, 2025 at 11:39 AM.

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