FSU Needs Win to Remain in Top 4 in CFB Playoff Rankings
The Florida State Seminoles continue their march toward the inaugural College Football Playoff on Saturday when they visit in-state arch rivals the Miami Hurricanes in an ACC showdown.
The Noles have not lost a game against the Hurricanes in Miami since 2004.
Despite a winning streak of 25 straight games, Florida State did not look all that convincing in its win over Virginia an under .500 team.
The Seminoles did escape with a 14-point win 34-20.
Because of the lackluster win, Florida State dropped to No. 3 from No. 2 in the lasts CFB playoff rankings. The committee took Oregon, which has lost a game, over Florida State for second place.
Florida State should be upset with that decision, as well as with the way they played last week and could be set to take that out on the Miami Hurricanes.
With a strong showing on Saturday, the Noles will likely regain some of the lost respect that an undefeated season is deserving of.
The Noles will look to run over the Canes in Miami. Florida State running back Mario Pender and Karlos Williams could see a great deal of action, which could relieve some of the pressure Jameis Winston at quarterback has received of late.
Miami’s defense is No. 11 allowing only 312 yards a game. However, against the run, the Hurricanes have been suspect. The Canes are allowing nearly 132 yards a game rushing, which is No. 31 overall amongst FBS schools.
Having Pender return to the backfield will help the Noles offense.
If the run opens the field up, Winston could have a field day against the Miami secondary, but if the running game is stopped, Winston could find himself in danger throwing the ball downfield against good coverage.
The run defense for Florida State is coming around finally. The Seminoles defense will face Duke Johnson the talented Heisman Trophy candidate at running back.
Against Virginia, the FSU defense was impressive holding Cavaliers running back Kevin Parks to only 42 yards. In all, the Cavaliers gained 37 yards in 32 attempts, with Greyson Lambert the quarterback having negative yards on the ground.
Brad Kaaya the true freshman at quarterback at Miami has been over shadowed by the success of Johnson on the ground.
Of late Kaaya has played well and for the season has 20 touchdown passes and 9 interceptions.
Both teams are capable of fireworks on offense and that could take place from the start on Saturday night. The game will likely be very close through three quarters.
However, if the Miami defense can limit the rushing attack for FSU then the Miami pass defense could give Winston fits.
The Seminoles have everything on the line in this game, while Miami can go out relaxed, as their chances of the College Football Playoff are non-existent.
Pick: I like the Seminoles to win, but in a close matchup with Florida State scoring late 35-31.
