Marquee match-up tonight with Florida State visiting Miami. Both teams enter the new season with only 4 returning starters on their respective defenses. While offensively, Florida State returns more offensive starters then Miami. Believe Florida State would like to establish the run before asking Rix to try and move the Noles consistently through the air, even though the defensive backfield of the Canes is young. Problem is that starting center Castillo and guard Meeks are not expected to play. This offensive line will go up against the strength of the Miami defense, their front line. No question Miami lost a great deal of talent, particularly at linebacker to the NFL, but has replaced it with depth. It is more likely that Florida State may have success in the air then on the ground due to the inexperience of the Miami secondary. The big question is Rix. Some players just can't seem to execute on the biggest stage and Rix has yet to prove that in games at this level he can get the job done. Meanwhile, Miami's strength is in their offensive line both in run blocking and pass protection. They will be facing a team with a completely new front seven. The Noles secondary is solid however. But fully expect running game of Canes to be effective and Berlin given time to complete passes. Berlin, unlike Rix, has shown the ability to win big games.
Which brings us to coaching. Feeling here for some time is that Bobby Bowden is no longer the big game coach he once was. As he has gotten older, he has seemed more philosophical, win or lose, about his teams performances in these types of games. Plus, this week he has had to deal with the unfortunate deaths in his immediate family and attend funerals. Larry Coker, on the other hand, has shown that he can get his teams to perform at a very high level in these type of games and after 3 years as a head coach is 35-3. Both teams have had to deal with the affects of Hurricane Frances and missed practice time. Recently the Canes have handled the Noles to the tune of 5-1 and sometimes certain coaching staffs have a feel for the tendencies of their opponent, regardless of talent. Feeling here is that the edges in key positions and match-ups plus home field belong to the Canes. Hence,
1* Miami -1
NCAAF Record YTD: (4-2)(+1.80)
Plays are rated 1*-5*.
Good Luck All.
Which brings us to coaching. Feeling here for some time is that Bobby Bowden is no longer the big game coach he once was. As he has gotten older, he has seemed more philosophical, win or lose, about his teams performances in these types of games. Plus, this week he has had to deal with the unfortunate deaths in his immediate family and attend funerals. Larry Coker, on the other hand, has shown that he can get his teams to perform at a very high level in these type of games and after 3 years as a head coach is 35-3. Both teams have had to deal with the affects of Hurricane Frances and missed practice time. Recently the Canes have handled the Noles to the tune of 5-1 and sometimes certain coaching staffs have a feel for the tendencies of their opponent, regardless of talent. Feeling here is that the edges in key positions and match-ups plus home field belong to the Canes. Hence,
1* Miami -1
NCAAF Record YTD: (4-2)(+1.80)
Plays are rated 1*-5*.
Good Luck All.
