ACC Blitz ‘Game of the Week’: Miami at Florida State

This matchup is becoming an opening weekend favorite with me. One of the best long-standing rivalries with a ton of hatred, there’s no telling what will go down. Last years game was a prime example. The Seminoles nearly doubled Miami’s offensive output, and appeared to be cruising to a blowout, up 20-3 at the half. But a trick play TD and INT for a score later, Miami is within 2. They ended up losing 41-39 in what was one of the better ACC games of the year, but it goes to show how unpredictable this series is. Although the last few years have see streaks, with Florida State winning 3 of the last 4, and the Hurricanes winning the previous 6 before that.

The 2009 version should be just as good. Florida State is coming in with an experienced QB, and even better offensive line. Their only question mark is defense, but even that isn’t much of a question. They are inexperienced on the line, but are loaded with potential. For the Hurricanes, they return QB Jacory Harris, who proved himself worthy after taking over for Robert Marve last season, and RB Graig Cooper who is a beast in the backfield and should see great numbers as the featured back.

The outcome of this game will rest soley on the play of the defensive lines. If Florida State can overcome the inexperience, and get steady pressure on Harris, and also contain Cooper, this should be over by the 3rd quarter. On the flip side, if the Hurricanes can somehow find a way through that insanely good Seminole line, and apply pressure to Ponder, he will make mistakes. What makes it even more intriguing is the fact that QB’s possess the ability to scramble for big gains when things break down.

Head-to-Head: FSU RB Jermaine Thomas vs Miami RB Graig Cooper
First time starter Thomas get the spotlight tonight showed flashes of brilliance last season in his back-up roll behind Antone Smith, averaging 7 yards a carry. He is more of a speed guy that’ll break your ankles as opposed to a bruising back and will have a chance to show that speed against a defense that was dead last in the league last year in rushing defense, allowing almost 152 yards and 21 TD’s. Not to mention he’ll be running behind what is easily one of the best offensive lines in the nation.

For the Hurricanes, RB Graig Cooper looks to start his campaign for a 1,000 yard season with a big game tonight. It’s conceivable for him to scamper off 100 yards on the night, considering how inexperienced the Seminole defensive line is. If the O-Line for the Hurricanes can give a little push, Harris will have time and Cooper could change the game completely.

Who will come out on top:
As much as I like the Harris/Cooper combo, and the raw talent the Hurricanes have, I have to give the edge to Florida State tonight. The Seminoles simply have the advantage in too many places across the board, and Miami simply lacks the experience to overcome it.

1)Location. Florida State has one of the best home-field advantages in all of college football, and you know they’ll be pumped an playing in-state rival with a storied past. True, the Noles have lost a bit of that advantage the last few years, but you had better believe the Garnet & Gold faithful will have it rocking tonight.

2)The line. Florida State returns all 5 starters on the offensive front, which will give RB Thomas room to run. Miami does feature a stellar secondary, but Ponder won’t have to pass for 300 yards for the Seminoles to win. He just has to be effective, and if the line gives him enough time, that’s exactly what will happen.

3)Schedule. I can’t help but wonder if it’s in the back of the Miami players minds. They start off at Florida State, then follow that up against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma. I know this is a rivalry game, but it has to be sitting in there what lies ahead.

ACC Blitz Prediction: Florida State 31, Miami 24