Showdown In The Sunshine State; FSU Favored 6 1/2 Over Miami

Sports Betting News - September 7th, 2009 - Written by Scott

This year's opener for both Miami and Florida State is sure to be a great battle between the two schools. The 18th ranked Seminoles will play host to the Hurricanes in Tallahassee tonight in another battle for state bragging rights. In year's past, much attention has been placed on all of the "wide rights" that have caused the Seminoles to fall short of national championships. This year, both teams are looking to gain the respect around the country they once had. Expectations are high at both schools and Miami has a tough September to contend with. A loss to Florida State could set the tone for another grueling season for the Hurricanes. It is possible that the Hurricanes could start the year 0-4, as their schedule only gets tougher with games against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma in September. Despite much of the national glamour missing in this Miami-Florida state matchup in the past few years, emotions will be high in this heated ACC and state rival game.

Florida State has placed quite a bit of attention on their running game since the arrival of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher in an attempt to bring a more balanced attack. With what is considered the best offensive line in the ACC, look for the Seminoles to showcase their rushing attack again in 2009, especially against the Hurricanes. Jermaine Thomas leads the attack, but talented Ty Jones and Tavares Pressley are two other talented backs the Seminoles have and will see time as well. Coming off a 9-4 season in 2009, the Seminoles come into the game with an experienced quarterback in Christian Ponder who has grown as the leader on their offense. This year, the Noles expect great things from him, as he can now lead this team without looking over his shoulder as he did in 2008, when he beat out senior Drew Weatherford for the starting job.

The defense has posed some questions during preseason for coordinator Mickey Andrews. The secondary is their main concern as they look to improve on giving up big plays as they have in recent years. The line backer position seems to be their greatest strength. Containing the great speed that Miami brings will be key for the Noles in tonight's game.

The Hurricanes are looking at a tough road this September to start the season. A win against Florida Sate is a must if the Canes are looking to get their program back to into the national spotlight. After finishing the year at 7-6 in 2008, the Hurricanes enter tonight's game without a rotating quarterback system and have two new coordinators on offense and defense. Jacory Harris has won the starting quarterback job and must stay healthy, now that back up Robert Marve has transferred and leaves them with no experience in the back up position. He does have plenty of talent around him at the skill positions and must utilize them if the Hurricanes are going to be successful.

Defensively for the Canes, their strength is at linebacker also. They must improve on the 151 yards per game they gave up rushing a year ago, especially since they gave up over 300 yards last year against the Seminoles. The secondary has some starters to replace and also look to improve on only grabbing two interceptions in 2008.

All in all, it is still Florida State and Miami. This game has always been a very emotional one for both schools. The road to a national championship always seems to go through the state of Florida, but recently however, it could be said it runs through Gainesville. Both schools are looking to get back to the national prominence they once had. Miami coach Randy Shannon could be on the "hot seat" if they come out without a win in tonight's game. According to sportsbook Bookmaker, the Seminoles are favored by 6 1/2 with a payout +100. Miami comes in as 6 1/2 point underdogs with a payout set at -120. The over/under is at 46.5 for tonight's game.

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