FSU FOOTBALL
Florida State versus Miami will be here before you know it. The game will be televised on ABC at 7:30 PM EST on Saturday in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles are 4.5-point underdogs by a variety of oddsmakers at the moment.
The narrative of the rivalry game has changed since Florida State fell to the likes of Virginia last Friday night, but it can all be corrected and forgiven with a huge win over the Hurricanes. In the spirit of discussion, let's break down five keys to victory for Florida State on Saturday.
1. FIND A RELIABLE NUMBER TWO RECEIVER ON OFFENSE
Wide receiver Duce Robinson had himself a game against Virginia last week, where he recorded nine receptions for 147 yards and one touchdown. However, the Hurricanes now have the scouting report on him after the notable performance. A pass catcher that needs to get going is veteran Squirrel White, who has four catches for 52 yards on the season. Could this be his breakout game?
2. STAY AHEAD OF THE CHAINS ON OFFENSE
Miami's defensive line wants to be aggressive and put pressure on opposing offensive lines. Defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor are two of the better pass rushers in the conference. This could be a contest where the Hurricanes will want to be aggressive with tackles for loss. Coach Malzahn wants to stay ahead of the chains with running the football, but they cannot make this a 2nd down and 10 or 2nd down and 11 situation.
3. WRAP UP TACKLING
Florida State's defense faced adversity in the contest against the Cavaliers, where they were not wrapping up when tackling. This allowed running back J'Mari Taylor to have 27 carries for 99 yards and one touchdown. The front seven will have to have a defining performance to make Miami one-dimensional.
4. PUT PRESSURE ON QUARTERBACK CARSON BECK
Miami will want to run the football with running backs Mark Fletcher Jr. and Charmar Brown. However, if the Hurricanes get stopped on early downs, quarterback Carson Beck will be asked to deliver on third down. Virginia was 9/15 when converting on third and fourth downs Friday night. The Seminoles only recorded two sacks (defensive back Ashlynd Barker had both) and want to emphasize pressure.
5. GAIN AN ADVANTAGE ON SPECIAL TEAMS
Head football coach Mike Norvell mentioned in his introductory press conference when he was hired at Florida State that special teams will be the core foundation of this university's football program. This is an opportunity for this aspect of the game to create solid field position for the offense, as well as pin the Hurricanes deep, where they have to drive the length of the field.