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Miami -3 @ Florida State
I am playing Florida State in this one.
Miami has owned this series for years because of their ability to both rush and protect the passer as well as special teams. Florida State has closed the gap considerably on both sides of the line. Special teams is another story.
I really like Florida State’s offensive line and running backs Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker. This will aid quarterback Chris Rix greatly as he will not have to force the ball as much vertically. This will cause defenses to cheat up and allow for more prudent shots downfield in the passing game.
Look for Florida State to try and get Booker on the perimeter behind the physical blocking of LT Alex Barron. Both he and RT Ray Willis should have some success versus Miami's undersized defensive ends.
The Seminoles also want to get their tight ends along with their backs more involved in the passing game. With Miami losing all three starting linebackers from a year ago, Florida State can help the inconsistent Rix get into a rhythm by throwing to the backs and tight ends underneath.
After primarily playing a base cover-2 defense in 2002, Miami defensive coordinator Randy Shannon was far more aggressive last year. With the speed and talent at corner to hold up in man coverage again this year, Shannon will try and Rix off-balance by mixing his schemes up. Rix has been a poor decision-maker who has problems reading defenses and will throw into coverage.
The key will be the play of the two new starters at safety. The Seminoles run a lot of play action so FS Brandon Merriweather and SS Greg Threat must be disciplined without losing their aggressiveness against the run.
One of the best match ups will be FSU receiver Craphonso Thorpe versus Miami corner Antrel Rolle. Thorpe has outstanding speed and tracks the ball well. Rolle, who has terrific size, strength and speed for the position, defended Larry Fitzgerald well last year. With Rolle blanketing Thorpe, Chauncey Stovall and Lorne Sam will need to step up for the Seminoles.
Miami also has a great offensive line. It is very quick and athletic. Running back Frank Gore also returns after sustaining two serious knee injuries.
Florida State's linebacking corps is talented and deep despite losing Michael Boulware (Seahawks) to the draft. SLB Ernie Sims and WLB A.J. Nicholson are both very capable.
With the inconsistent quarterback play of Brock Berlin and the lack of a playmaking receiver, Miami is sure to face plenty of eight-man fronts. SS Jerome Carter plays with a mean streak and does a good job of filling against the run.
Unless redshirt freshman Greg Olsen steps up quickly, the receiving threat at tight end that Miami had in Kellen Winslow last year will not be there and thus Carter won't be as worried about play action.
LOT Eric Winston's ability to handle RDE Eric Moore will be critical to Miami's success in the passing game. If the Hurricanes don't have to help out Winston, who is an outstanding pass blocker, they can then send their back or tight end out as receivers.
Receiver Ryan Moore has lots of ability but FSU CB Bryant McFadden has the size and speed to limit his production. FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews will run a lot of press coverage this year. Unless Moore and Rosco Parrish prove they can beat them over the top, the Florida State corners will be extremely aggressive and will try to muscle both out of their routes.
Florida State PK Xavier Beitia missed the potential game-winning field goal wide right in the Orange Bowl last year. It will be more nerve racking this year in the Orange Bowl. Miami has the weapons to make a big play in the return game. Parrish, Rolle and Devin Hester are all threats to go the distance every time they touch the ball. Although PK Jon Peattie can be somewhat inconsistent, he has a powerful leg and connected on five of his seven field-goal attempts from beyond 40 yards last year. The Hurricane's special teams have played a big role in their five-game win streak over the Seminoles and this unit will have to play exceptionally well for Miami to make it six straight wins.
The Hurricanes will keep this close with strong offensive line play. They will also force Rix into some critical mistakes. Home-field advantage will help, but Miami has too many questions at key positions. The Seminoles have more talent and depth at running back. Their offensive line should eventually wear down the Hurricane's front seven, which will lead to a dominating second half for the Florida State running game. FSU's cornerbacks will prevent the Hurricanes from producing enough big plays The Seminoles' kicking game would still be a major concern in a close game.
I'll gladly take the 3 points.
I am playing Florida State in this one.
Miami has owned this series for years because of their ability to both rush and protect the passer as well as special teams. Florida State has closed the gap considerably on both sides of the line. Special teams is another story.
I really like Florida State’s offensive line and running backs Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker. This will aid quarterback Chris Rix greatly as he will not have to force the ball as much vertically. This will cause defenses to cheat up and allow for more prudent shots downfield in the passing game.
Look for Florida State to try and get Booker on the perimeter behind the physical blocking of LT Alex Barron. Both he and RT Ray Willis should have some success versus Miami's undersized defensive ends.
The Seminoles also want to get their tight ends along with their backs more involved in the passing game. With Miami losing all three starting linebackers from a year ago, Florida State can help the inconsistent Rix get into a rhythm by throwing to the backs and tight ends underneath.
After primarily playing a base cover-2 defense in 2002, Miami defensive coordinator Randy Shannon was far more aggressive last year. With the speed and talent at corner to hold up in man coverage again this year, Shannon will try and Rix off-balance by mixing his schemes up. Rix has been a poor decision-maker who has problems reading defenses and will throw into coverage.
The key will be the play of the two new starters at safety. The Seminoles run a lot of play action so FS Brandon Merriweather and SS Greg Threat must be disciplined without losing their aggressiveness against the run.
One of the best match ups will be FSU receiver Craphonso Thorpe versus Miami corner Antrel Rolle. Thorpe has outstanding speed and tracks the ball well. Rolle, who has terrific size, strength and speed for the position, defended Larry Fitzgerald well last year. With Rolle blanketing Thorpe, Chauncey Stovall and Lorne Sam will need to step up for the Seminoles.
Miami also has a great offensive line. It is very quick and athletic. Running back Frank Gore also returns after sustaining two serious knee injuries.
Florida State's linebacking corps is talented and deep despite losing Michael Boulware (Seahawks) to the draft. SLB Ernie Sims and WLB A.J. Nicholson are both very capable.
With the inconsistent quarterback play of Brock Berlin and the lack of a playmaking receiver, Miami is sure to face plenty of eight-man fronts. SS Jerome Carter plays with a mean streak and does a good job of filling against the run.
Unless redshirt freshman Greg Olsen steps up quickly, the receiving threat at tight end that Miami had in Kellen Winslow last year will not be there and thus Carter won't be as worried about play action.
LOT Eric Winston's ability to handle RDE Eric Moore will be critical to Miami's success in the passing game. If the Hurricanes don't have to help out Winston, who is an outstanding pass blocker, they can then send their back or tight end out as receivers.
Receiver Ryan Moore has lots of ability but FSU CB Bryant McFadden has the size and speed to limit his production. FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews will run a lot of press coverage this year. Unless Moore and Rosco Parrish prove they can beat them over the top, the Florida State corners will be extremely aggressive and will try to muscle both out of their routes.
Florida State PK Xavier Beitia missed the potential game-winning field goal wide right in the Orange Bowl last year. It will be more nerve racking this year in the Orange Bowl. Miami has the weapons to make a big play in the return game. Parrish, Rolle and Devin Hester are all threats to go the distance every time they touch the ball. Although PK Jon Peattie can be somewhat inconsistent, he has a powerful leg and connected on five of his seven field-goal attempts from beyond 40 yards last year. The Hurricane's special teams have played a big role in their five-game win streak over the Seminoles and this unit will have to play exceptionally well for Miami to make it six straight wins.
The Hurricanes will keep this close with strong offensive line play. They will also force Rix into some critical mistakes. Home-field advantage will help, but Miami has too many questions at key positions. The Seminoles have more talent and depth at running back. Their offensive line should eventually wear down the Hurricane's front seven, which will lead to a dominating second half for the Florida State running game. FSU's cornerbacks will prevent the Hurricanes from producing enough big plays The Seminoles' kicking game would still be a major concern in a close game.
I'll gladly take the 3 points.
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