Miami at Florida State: Five Questions with Canes Warning
By Jack Crosby
Oct 26, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden at a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
With the showdown between the Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes just a little over a day away, I decided to ask our FanSided Miami Editor, Matthew Osborne, a few questions to get his perspective on some things about this Top-10 match up on Saturday.
Jack Jorgensen: What, in your mind, has been the biggest reason that the ‘Canes are in the position they are right now, being undefeated and back in the Top 10?
Matthew Osborne: I think they have been playing with a chip on their shoulder. Certainly things have worked out in their favor, in terms of moving up the polls, but their defense has improved and they are beginning to establish depth on both sides of the ball. Golden is beginning to develop players that he recruited and they have sort of have a fresh beginning – especially since the NCAA mess is over with. Nothing is better than seeing a Miami/FSU game be played when both teams are high in the rankings.
JJ: Should Miami pull the upset, what would it mean for the legacy of Stephen Morris at the school?
MO: I am not really sure how it would affect his legacy. Jacory Harris went into Tallahassee and beat Florida State a few years back and he isn’t heralded as one of Miami’s best. Morris has the potential to be a good quarterback at the next level, but up to this point, I think he is only recognized for having a strong arm. In any event, Morris has been playing like an average quarterback at best – at least this year. The offense has been sputtering, aside from the running game, and until Morris proves confident leading the troops, mediocre is what we will see.
JJ: What’s your biggest key for Miami to pull an upset?
MO: Stephen Morris has to bring his A game. I am not sure whether or not his ankle is still an issue, but the interceptions have taken their toll. Against Wake Forest, Morris appeared timid and was afraid to stay in the pocket. If he wants to beat Florida State, his confidence needs to be through the roof.
JJ: If the Vegas people are correct and Florida State does win this game easily by three touchdowns or more, how much of a confidence hit would the program take, especially after rising as far as they have this season?
MO: Honestly, I don’t think that a loss would affect them too much, in regards to confidence. Nobody expected Miami to be undefeated up to this point and should Miami lose to Florida State, there is a good chance that the two will meet again in the ACC championship game. There is no doubt that the team would be bummed out, but there is no denying that Florida State is amongst the top tier of college football.
JJ: What can the ‘Canes do to try and contain Jameis Winston?
MO: Apply pressure first and foremost. Winston has showed that he can eat up defenses through the air, so I am anxious to see if Miami can get him a little bit rattled. Make him force throws into coverage. Get him to scramble. Make him make decisions that he normally wouldn’t make.