One of the most storied rivalries in all of college football is back on primetime, as the undefeated #2 Florida State Seminoles travel to the 6-3 Miami Hurricanes Saturday night at 8 PM ET on ABC. Once again, national title implications will be at stake, when the ball is kicked-off under the lights in South Florida. Florida State controls their destiny by winning out, and Miami hopes to derail the Seminoles with a loss. The Hurricanes also look to stay in the hunt for the ACC title with a big conference win.
Florida State's offense must come out firing on all cylinders this week against a very talented Miami defense. The Seminoles have started most games slow and then poured it on in the second half. That's not an option versus Miami. The Noles will need to mash on the gas early and often to get the Canes out of their game plan.
FSU's passing game has led the way this year and look for that to continue. Quarterback Jameis Winston will try to get senior receiver Rashad Greene and true freshman receiver Travis Rudolph involved early and often. Tight End Nick O'leary will be the security blanket that Winston will lean on to move the chains. There shouldn't be any reason why the offense can't move through the air.
The Florida State running game is where the questions lie. Karlos Williams is the lead back, but has not been that productive this year. He did have 2 TDs last week and 70 yards, but his 4.39 yards a carry this year has been very disappointing. He will once again be featured in short yardage situations, but will give carries away to a more dynamic back in freshman Dalvin Cook.
Cook, a true freshman, has shown absolute signs of brilliance. His long game-winning touchdown run versus Louisville put him on the map, alongside a 100 yard night. As the season wears on Cook has shown why he was one of the most touted running backs in the country coming out of high school.
A key to the running and passing game will be the health of the offensive line. Center Austin Barron, who has been out over a month, is expected to play Saturday. That factor is huge because he is the unquestioned leader of the line and they have missed his presence inside.
On the other side of the ball it's simple: Stop Duke Johnson. The Heisman trophy candidate is the main motor in the Hurricane engine. FSU will load 8-9 in the box and dare quarterback Brad Kaaya to beat them. How the lines square off will determine the winner. If Miami has over 25 pass attempts, it could be a long night for the orange and green.
Every week FSU flirts with danger, and every week they find a way. This week will be no different. Though the end is drawing near, it won't be this week. The Armchair Quarterback prediction:
Florida State 36
Miami 27