Florida State Favored By 14 1/2 Over South Florida

NFL News - September 23rd, 2009 - Written by Scott

After a disappointing loss to Miami and dismal performance in their game with Jacksonville State, Florida State rebounded with a big win over then 9th ranked BYU.  The 18th ranked Seminoles will look to continue their momentum as they host South Florida on Saturday.  The Bulls are heading into Tallahassee after losing their four year starter at quarterback Matt Grothe.  The Bulls come into the game with a 3-0 record, but will get their first big test against the Noles, as their first three games were against FCS teams.  South Florida has a little history on their side as they have won their last four games over ranked opponents.  This will be the first time these two schools have met.

The Seminoles' offense rests on the shoulders of quarterback Christian Ponder who absolutely took over the game against BYU by passing for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns, while rushing for 77 yards and another score.  He is the ACC leader in passing yardage with 813 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Ponder is also the team's second leading rusher with 112 yards.  Running back Ty Jones had his breakout game last week and rushed for 108 yards and is the team leader with 207 yards.  The Seminoles have a very talented receiving group as they have four players with over 100 yards receiving.  Defensively for FSU, they still have not solved their problems in the secondary.  Opponents are averaging 321 yards in the air.  Despite South Florida losing Grothe, they will be tested with back up quarterback B.J. Daniels who is a great threat both running and passing.

The Bulls did lose their starting quarterback for the year, but they do not plan on seeing any drop off in production with Daniels under center.  He came in last week and connected on 10 of 13 passes for 149 yards.  In addition, he rushed for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Moise Plancher is the leading rusher for the Bulls with 209 yards and 4 touchdowns.  They also have three other backs who have rushed for over 100 yards.  They will need to perform well to keep the pressure off of Daniels who will be making his first start in a hostile environment.  The defense has played well in their first three games, but they will get their first real test this weekend from an explosive Seminole offense.   

Florida State is favored by 14 1/2 at home over South Florida.  A win for the Seminoles is crucial as they attempt to revive a program that has been sub par for several years.  This will be a good test for the Bulls as they begin Big East play next week at Syracuse. 

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