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Here are a couple of write up for you boys!!
Miami Fla (-3.0) 24 FLORIDA ST. 21
05:00 PM Pacific Time Monday, Sep-05 - Stats Matchup
I hate to pass on this first really big game of the season, but my ratings favor Miami by 3 points in this game and I have no reason to vary from that projection. The Hurricanes were good on both sides of the ball last season (0.8 yards per play better than average on offense and 1.0 yppl better than average on defense) and they should be better on both sides of the ball this season. Highly regarded Kyle Wright takes over at quarterback and Miami’s receivers are at least as good as last season, but Brock Berlin had a good senior season and I expect Wright to just meet last year’s numbers – although he could surpass them if he lives up to his billing. The rush attack should be even better with talented backs running behind a good offensive line that suffered through an injury plagued season in 2004. The Hurricanes’ defense returns 9 starters from last year’s squad, and that does not include their best defensive back Devin Hester – so the Canes will be even more dominating defensively this season. Florida State was simply average offensively last season, averaging 5.2 yppl against teams that would combine to allow 5.1 yppl to an average offense, but I expect the Seminoles’ attack to bounce back this season despite breaking in a new quarterback (Drew Weatherford). Weatherford has a powerful arm and played well in camp to overtake Xavier Lee in the battle for the position, and I expect much better production this season after Wyatt Sexton and Chris Rix combined to rate at 0.4 yards per pass play worse than average while throwing 15 interceptions last season. The rushing attack should be among the best in the nation with Leon Washington as the main back after averaging 6.9 ypr despite having some injuries last season. Overall, I rate Florida State’s attack at 0.6 yppl better than average this season. Florida State was a good team last year because of a dominating defense that rated at 1.4 yppl better than average. That unit lost their best player, DT Travis Johnson (18.5 tackles for loss last year and a #1 NFL draft pick), and has already lost a couple of returning starters due to injury, including 1st Team All-ACC CB Antonio Cromartie. There is still plenty of talent on the stop side of the ball, despite having only 4 returning starters, and I rate the Seminoles’ defense at 1.0 yppl better than average this season. Miami is clearly the better team, but this game is being played in Tallahassee and my ratings suggest that the line is fair. My gut tells me that Miami is more likely to cover the spread in this game, but I don’t make decisions based on my gut, so I’ll pass on this one.
From The Sports Network
By Scott Haynes, College Football Senior Editor
GAME NOTES: The biggest game of the first week of college football takes place on Labor Day, as the ninth-ranked Miami Hurricanes make the trip to Tallahassee to battle the 14th-ranked Florida State Seminoles in another chapter of one of the greatest rivalries in college football. The Hurricanes finished last season with a 9-3 record, and placed third in their new conference, the ACC, with a mark of 5-3. Playing in the Coastal Division this year, Miami will take on the Seminoles in a cross-divisional matchup, as FSU plays in the new Atlantic Division. The Seminoles are used to owning the ACC, but last year the team failed to win the conference for just the second time, going 9-3 overall and a second-place finish in the league with a mark of 6-2. These two teams are very familiar with one another, especially of late, as this is the fourth time in the last 21 games that these two teams are meeting. This is the 50th meeting in the all-time series. Miami has opened up its lead to 29-20 all-time, thanks to six straight victories dating back to the 2001 season. The last four wins for the Hurricanes have come by a combined 17 points, including a thrilling 16-10 overtime win last year at Miami.
Last year's Miami offense struggled a bit under Brock Berlin, so replacing six starters, including Berlin isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, if the Miami offense is to regain its swagger, it will have to do so with a youngster under center. Quarterbacks Kyle Wright (sophomore) and Kirby Freeman (freshman) must learn the position in a hurry, but there is plenty of talent at the other skilled positions to help their cause. Junior Tyrone Moss will handle the rushing duties. The 5-10, 220-pounder averaged almost four and a half yards per carry in 2004, scoring six TDs in limited action. The cupboard is still full in the receiving corps as well, with Sinorice Moss, Lance Leggett, Ryan Moore and Notre Dame transfer Greg Olsen at the tight end position. Moore is the wildcard for Miami, as he had a brilliant freshman campaign, but was plagued by injuries last year. The offensive line has plenty of experience with four returning starters, including former First-Team All- Big East selection Eric Winston at the tackle position.
Miami's defense bent at times in 2004, but remains one of the top units in the ACC and the country for that matter. The unit ranked ninth nationally in 2004 in passing defense (173.1 ypg) and 13th in scoring defense (17.0 ppg). The Hurricanes should have the top defensive unit in the ACC this year. The only loss among last year's starters is first-round draft choice Antrel Rolle. The remainder of the defense returns, chock-full of All-American talent. Up front the team will rely on ends Bryan Pata and Thomas Carroll and tackles Orien Harris and Baraka Atkins. Carroll and Atkins tied for the team-lead in sacks last season with 6.5. Rocky McIntosh (111 tackles last year) and Tavares Gooden (83 tackles, 10 TFLs) provide plenty of toughness in the linebacking corps. The secondary will be led by hard-hitting safety Greg Threat, who led the team in tackles a year ago with a whopping 139 stops, with a team-high three interceptions for good measure.
Expected starting quarterback Wyatt Sexton was lost for the season after being diagnosed with Lyme Disease this summer and that loss has thrown Bobby Bowden for a bit of a loop. The job of quarterback in Tallahassee will be left up to a pair of youngsters in freshmen Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford. Weatherford will get the nod to start the season, but Lee will certainly see time. Gone are the top two receivers from last year (Craphonso Thorpe and Chauncey Stovall), with speedster Willie Reid (15 catches last year) as the most experienced target among the wideouts returning. The lack of a homerun threat downfield will likely hinder a young QB's progress. The strength of this offense is in the backfield, where a pair of All-American candidates reside. Tailbacks Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker combined for over 1,800 yards last season and those numbers could improve this time around. Another reason for concern is the offensive line. Tackles Alex Barron and Ray Willis have moved on, as has guard Bobby Meeks. Senior center David Castillo (Second-Team All-ACC in 2004) is a proven veteran and he will get help from left tackle Cory Niblock and right guard Matt Meinrod, who have experience as well.
The Seminoles were strong on defense in 2004, but repeating that may be too much to ask for, as the team must replace six starters. The entire linebacking corps returns and looks to be one of the best units in the entire country and is clearly the strength of the unit in 2005. A.J. Nicholson and Ernie Simms were the top two tacklers on the team last year, with 88 and 86 stops, respectively. They combined for 8.5 sacks and 13 TFLs. The third backer is fellow junior Buster Davis, who amassed 60 stops and seven TFLs. The defensive front may struggle to put pressure on opposing QBs, but Bowden is high on a few players in the middle in senior Brodrick Bunkley (6-3, 285), redshirt freshman Aaron Jones (6-3, 280) and sophomore Andre Fluellen (6-4, 285). The secondary will be anchored by talented free safety Pat Watkins, who recorded four interceptions last year and has seven in his career. The loss of First- Team All-ACC cornerback Antonio Cromartie is huge to this secondary, so other DBs will need to step up and prove themselves.
With question marks on the offensive and defensive side of the football, the Seminoles could be in for another season of playing second or third fiddle in the ACC. Playing in Tallahassee would intimidate most teams, but not the Hurricanes, who like in the recent past, should find a way to get by the Seminoles once again.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Miami-Florida 23, Florida State 17
Miami Fla (-3.0) 24 FLORIDA ST. 21
05:00 PM Pacific Time Monday, Sep-05 - Stats Matchup
I hate to pass on this first really big game of the season, but my ratings favor Miami by 3 points in this game and I have no reason to vary from that projection. The Hurricanes were good on both sides of the ball last season (0.8 yards per play better than average on offense and 1.0 yppl better than average on defense) and they should be better on both sides of the ball this season. Highly regarded Kyle Wright takes over at quarterback and Miami’s receivers are at least as good as last season, but Brock Berlin had a good senior season and I expect Wright to just meet last year’s numbers – although he could surpass them if he lives up to his billing. The rush attack should be even better with talented backs running behind a good offensive line that suffered through an injury plagued season in 2004. The Hurricanes’ defense returns 9 starters from last year’s squad, and that does not include their best defensive back Devin Hester – so the Canes will be even more dominating defensively this season. Florida State was simply average offensively last season, averaging 5.2 yppl against teams that would combine to allow 5.1 yppl to an average offense, but I expect the Seminoles’ attack to bounce back this season despite breaking in a new quarterback (Drew Weatherford). Weatherford has a powerful arm and played well in camp to overtake Xavier Lee in the battle for the position, and I expect much better production this season after Wyatt Sexton and Chris Rix combined to rate at 0.4 yards per pass play worse than average while throwing 15 interceptions last season. The rushing attack should be among the best in the nation with Leon Washington as the main back after averaging 6.9 ypr despite having some injuries last season. Overall, I rate Florida State’s attack at 0.6 yppl better than average this season. Florida State was a good team last year because of a dominating defense that rated at 1.4 yppl better than average. That unit lost their best player, DT Travis Johnson (18.5 tackles for loss last year and a #1 NFL draft pick), and has already lost a couple of returning starters due to injury, including 1st Team All-ACC CB Antonio Cromartie. There is still plenty of talent on the stop side of the ball, despite having only 4 returning starters, and I rate the Seminoles’ defense at 1.0 yppl better than average this season. Miami is clearly the better team, but this game is being played in Tallahassee and my ratings suggest that the line is fair. My gut tells me that Miami is more likely to cover the spread in this game, but I don’t make decisions based on my gut, so I’ll pass on this one.
From The Sports Network
By Scott Haynes, College Football Senior Editor
GAME NOTES: The biggest game of the first week of college football takes place on Labor Day, as the ninth-ranked Miami Hurricanes make the trip to Tallahassee to battle the 14th-ranked Florida State Seminoles in another chapter of one of the greatest rivalries in college football. The Hurricanes finished last season with a 9-3 record, and placed third in their new conference, the ACC, with a mark of 5-3. Playing in the Coastal Division this year, Miami will take on the Seminoles in a cross-divisional matchup, as FSU plays in the new Atlantic Division. The Seminoles are used to owning the ACC, but last year the team failed to win the conference for just the second time, going 9-3 overall and a second-place finish in the league with a mark of 6-2. These two teams are very familiar with one another, especially of late, as this is the fourth time in the last 21 games that these two teams are meeting. This is the 50th meeting in the all-time series. Miami has opened up its lead to 29-20 all-time, thanks to six straight victories dating back to the 2001 season. The last four wins for the Hurricanes have come by a combined 17 points, including a thrilling 16-10 overtime win last year at Miami.
Last year's Miami offense struggled a bit under Brock Berlin, so replacing six starters, including Berlin isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, if the Miami offense is to regain its swagger, it will have to do so with a youngster under center. Quarterbacks Kyle Wright (sophomore) and Kirby Freeman (freshman) must learn the position in a hurry, but there is plenty of talent at the other skilled positions to help their cause. Junior Tyrone Moss will handle the rushing duties. The 5-10, 220-pounder averaged almost four and a half yards per carry in 2004, scoring six TDs in limited action. The cupboard is still full in the receiving corps as well, with Sinorice Moss, Lance Leggett, Ryan Moore and Notre Dame transfer Greg Olsen at the tight end position. Moore is the wildcard for Miami, as he had a brilliant freshman campaign, but was plagued by injuries last year. The offensive line has plenty of experience with four returning starters, including former First-Team All- Big East selection Eric Winston at the tackle position.
Miami's defense bent at times in 2004, but remains one of the top units in the ACC and the country for that matter. The unit ranked ninth nationally in 2004 in passing defense (173.1 ypg) and 13th in scoring defense (17.0 ppg). The Hurricanes should have the top defensive unit in the ACC this year. The only loss among last year's starters is first-round draft choice Antrel Rolle. The remainder of the defense returns, chock-full of All-American talent. Up front the team will rely on ends Bryan Pata and Thomas Carroll and tackles Orien Harris and Baraka Atkins. Carroll and Atkins tied for the team-lead in sacks last season with 6.5. Rocky McIntosh (111 tackles last year) and Tavares Gooden (83 tackles, 10 TFLs) provide plenty of toughness in the linebacking corps. The secondary will be led by hard-hitting safety Greg Threat, who led the team in tackles a year ago with a whopping 139 stops, with a team-high three interceptions for good measure.
Expected starting quarterback Wyatt Sexton was lost for the season after being diagnosed with Lyme Disease this summer and that loss has thrown Bobby Bowden for a bit of a loop. The job of quarterback in Tallahassee will be left up to a pair of youngsters in freshmen Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford. Weatherford will get the nod to start the season, but Lee will certainly see time. Gone are the top two receivers from last year (Craphonso Thorpe and Chauncey Stovall), with speedster Willie Reid (15 catches last year) as the most experienced target among the wideouts returning. The lack of a homerun threat downfield will likely hinder a young QB's progress. The strength of this offense is in the backfield, where a pair of All-American candidates reside. Tailbacks Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker combined for over 1,800 yards last season and those numbers could improve this time around. Another reason for concern is the offensive line. Tackles Alex Barron and Ray Willis have moved on, as has guard Bobby Meeks. Senior center David Castillo (Second-Team All-ACC in 2004) is a proven veteran and he will get help from left tackle Cory Niblock and right guard Matt Meinrod, who have experience as well.
The Seminoles were strong on defense in 2004, but repeating that may be too much to ask for, as the team must replace six starters. The entire linebacking corps returns and looks to be one of the best units in the entire country and is clearly the strength of the unit in 2005. A.J. Nicholson and Ernie Simms were the top two tacklers on the team last year, with 88 and 86 stops, respectively. They combined for 8.5 sacks and 13 TFLs. The third backer is fellow junior Buster Davis, who amassed 60 stops and seven TFLs. The defensive front may struggle to put pressure on opposing QBs, but Bowden is high on a few players in the middle in senior Brodrick Bunkley (6-3, 285), redshirt freshman Aaron Jones (6-3, 280) and sophomore Andre Fluellen (6-4, 285). The secondary will be anchored by talented free safety Pat Watkins, who recorded four interceptions last year and has seven in his career. The loss of First- Team All-ACC cornerback Antonio Cromartie is huge to this secondary, so other DBs will need to step up and prove themselves.
With question marks on the offensive and defensive side of the football, the Seminoles could be in for another season of playing second or third fiddle in the ACC. Playing in Tallahassee would intimidate most teams, but not the Hurricanes, who like in the recent past, should find a way to get by the Seminoles once again.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Miami-Florida 23, Florida State 17
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