Miami versus Florida State is always a huge rivalry in the state. It became a national phenomenon in the 1980s and 1990s when these two were among the college football elite -- competing for national titles virtually every year.
With some recent struggles by both programs, it has tempered to a fierce ACC battle, but is still a game for state bragging rights. This year, a spot in the ACC title game and a BCS berth is likely at stake when the Hurricanes visit the Seminoles. FSU trails Clemson by a game in the Atlantic Division, while Miami is two back of Virginia Tech in the Coastal Division.
Miami leads the all-time series 31-24, and has won four of the last five games played in Tallahassee. FSU won 45-17 in Miami last year and has won seven of the last nine meetings overall.
Miami
The Hurricanes beat Duke last week (49-14) to win its third game in the last four outings. The team has three losses by seven points or fewer this year, with two of those losses coming at home (Kansas State and Virginia).
The 'Canes are ranked 28th nationally in points allowed (21 points per game), and this defense gives up 385 yards per contest (205 passing, 179 rushing).
This defensive unit has recorded 19 sacks and forced 13 turnovers, with two of those takeaways being converted into touchdowns (JoJo Nicolas, fumble; Kelvin Cain, interception).
Sean Spence leads this group with 83 tackles (30 more than any teammate), adding three sacks and a forced fumble. Marcus Robinson has four sacks, Nicolas has two interceptions and Robinson and Denzel Perryman each have two forced fumbles. Ramon Buchanan has a blocked kick.
The Miami offense ranks 45th in the nation in scoring (31 ppg) and tallies 385 total yards per game (226 passing, 159 rushing).
Quarterback Jacory Harris has completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,757 yards, 18 TDs and four interceptions this season, while his offensive line has allowed 12 sacks.
His top receiving targets are Tommy Streeter (666 yards, eight TDs) and Travis Benjamin (480 yards, three TDs) with 32 catches apiece.
Running back Lamar Miller anchors the rushing attack with 1,016 yards and eight scores (5.9 yards per carry).
Florida State
After three straight losses, the Seminoles have responded with four consecutive, dominant wins, the latest a 38-7 road victory over Boston College. FSU has outscored its last four opponents by a 154-39 count and enters this game 4-1 at home (the only loss to Oklahoma).
The Seminoles currently rank eighth nationally in points allowed (16 per game), while their defense concedes just 268 yards per contest (189 passing, 79 rushing).
The unit has posted 30 sacks and forced 13 turnovers, with one returned for a TD (Bjoern Werner, fumble).
Nigel Bradham leads this squad with 52 tackles, adding two sacks and an INT, while Mike Harris has 48 stops with one sack. Werner has six sacks, a forced fumble and two recoveries, while Lamarcus Joyner has two picks and Christian Jones has two forced fumbles.
The FSU offense is solid, ranking 20th nationally in scoring (36 ppg) while garnering 419 yards of offense (292 passing, 127 rushing).
Quarterback E.J. Manuel has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,956 yards and 14 TDs with eight interceptions. The offensive line, however, has allowed 26 sacks.
Four players have 20 or more receptions, led by Rodney Smith with 38 (486 yards and three TDs), while Rashad Greene and Kenny Shaw have 26 each for a combined 765 yards and 10 scores.
The Seminoles' top rusher is Devonta Freeman, who has 367 yards and six scores (5.2 ypc).
iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software
