DAVID VILLAVICENCIO:
This year’s UM-FSU game does not have national title implications like in years past but that doesn’t mean that it is a meaningless game. Both Miami and Florida State are looking for their first conference win and as always, both teams will leave it all on the field as they look to win the latest battle in the historic rivalry. The Seminoles have revenge on their mind and the Canes are hungry after a disappointing loss last week. I say the Canes contain FSU on the ground and force Ponder to beat them. Fortunately for Miami fans, I don’t think the young QB will get the job done. Miami will face a daunting FSU defense but when the clock reads zero the Canes will be victorious in a nail-biter.
Miami 20 Florida State 17
MIKE BAKAS:
Florida State started the season off with two glorified scrimmages. They got big wins over Western Carolina and Chattanooga. The last two weeks provided them good competition and the Noles looked like two completely different teams. They were terrible on offense against Wake Forest, scoring just three points. They were much better offensively against Colorado last week. The defense has been tough in both games and they appear to be at full strength now that the guys are back from the academic scandal suspension.
One of the reasons Wake Forest was more successful on defense than Colorado against the Noles is because they were a faster, more aggressive group. Miami's defense will be the fastest and most aggressive unit the Noles have played up to this point. On the offensive side of the ball, the Noles have a stout defense but the Canes are 10 times better offensively than they were against Florida so look for the Canes to find some big play success in this one. Could this become another wide right adventure? Hopefully the Canes can put the game away early but I expect this one to be a battle until the end.
Canes 20, FSU 17