Florida State did not leave Miami with the win it wanted, but the Seminoles’ performance apparently helped their standing in one of ESPN’s primary predictive metrics.
FSU climbed five spots to No. 36 nationally in ESPN’s latest Football Power Index rankings following its 43-35 double-overtime loss to Miami. The Seminoles were No. 41 last week after falling 44-20 at Louisville.
The rise is notable considering Florida State suffered its second consecutive loss and dropped to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play. This was hardly a typical loss, however. FSU entered the rivalry matchup as roughly a three-touchdown underdog and pushed an undefeated Miami team into a second overtime before finally losing…