FSU/Miami Preview

With how bad the ACC looked over the weekend, is tonight’s Florida State/Miami game even worth watching? The answer is yes as this is still a very good rivalry and both of these teams need to start the season on a good note. Both of these teams could struggle this season and there is a chance that both of these coaches will be gone in the offseason. Bobby Bowden had to deal with an academic scandal in the offseason and Miami fans are getting sick of their program turning into a mediocre program. Which of these programs will get off on the right foot tonight?

The Seminoles won last year’s game 41-39 and tonight’s game is in Tallahassee.  FSU was led last year by the run game as quarterback Christian Ponder rushed for 144 yards against Miami’s defense. Antone Smith rushed for 92 yards and four touchdowns, but is no longer on the roster. It is amazing to think that the Seminoles haven’t had a running back that rushed for 1,000 yards in a season since Warrick Dunn in 1996. Miami’s defense doesn’t produce the NFL talent that the Hurricanes did when guys like Vince Wilfork played in Miami.

If Ponder struggles against Miami’s defense, this game could get ugly for Florida State’s offense. We already mentioned that we think Randy Shannon will get fired after the season, but this would be a huge win for Shannon and his team. Expect tonight’s game to be very close with Ponder and Miami running back Graig “Phillip Fulmer doesn’t know my name” Cooper both having big games. Florida State beats Miami tonight 24-21.