2010 Florida State Seminoles Football: Florida State @ Miami

Outside of the Florida Gators, Florida State has no greater rival than the Hurricanes of Miami. These are in-state rivals who fight over recruits and battle on the gridiron each year. In recent years the FSU vs. UM game has been the primary college football game on Labor Day, yet both schools moved the matchup back a few weeks for this season. That move could prove beneficial for the Noles.

Coming into this game, the Hurricanes are rolling through opponents and climbing their way to a top-10 ranking. Currently ranked No. 13 in the nation and boasting the 15th overall defense in points allowed so far this year (15 per game). On the other side, the Noles are ranked again at No. 23 and have the 20th overall scoring defense in the country (15.4 points per game, just behind UM). Here's how the two stack up in their respective categories:

Florida State Miami
Passing Yards per Game: 59th (224.6) 47th (233.8)
Rushing Yards per Game: 26th (208.6) 77th (136.5)
Points Scored: 30th (35.0) 39th (32.5)

Both teams sit with one loss, and their schedules so far this season look similar. The Noles defeated FCS opponent Florida A&M in convincing fashion (45-0), then went on the road to No. 2 Ohio State and lost 36-24 before beating an overrated Pittsburgh squad and then ACC opponent Clemson.

The Seminoles soundly defeated Samford 59-6 to open to their season. The Noles then went on the road at No. 7 Oklahoma and lost 47-17 before coming home to defeat a struggling BYU team, followed by conference opponents Wake Forest (at home) and Virginia (on the road). So far the Noles haven't been tested by a quality conference opponent. That changes on Saturday.

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For the underdog Florida State to win, the Noles will need to pressure Cane quarterback Jacory Harris. Miami's trigger man is a high-risk/high-reward quarterback who will turn the ball over but can also burn an opposing secondary for long pass plays. To reduce the number of long balls from Miami's passing game, the FSU defensive line will need to continue its stellar quarterback pressure so far this season and get to Harris.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Noles will lean heavily on senior quarterback Christian Ponder. Although he has been recovering from a tricep bruise, Ponder will need to have a big game not only as a passer but as a runner. The Miami defensive line is one of the best in the nation and the Canes will give FSU's offensive line a battle. Ponder must be on his toes and ready to scramble for yards should defenders break into the backfield. As was the case in last year's game, Ponder's ability to run will help the Noles gain positive yards against a strong defensive front.

The last four times the two teams have met, the road team has won when the score is within 10 points or fewer. Can the Noles pull out a victory over the favored Canes? It will be a tough battle, the battle for Florida and ACC bragging rights, but if the Seminoles can bring home a victory, they'll have exceeded many people's expectations for this season.

Florida State Seminoles @ Miami Hurricanes Football Preview