Break It Down: Miami vs FSU

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I have a sneaky suspicion we win the game.

Big games are won when your best player helps you win the game. Duke will get his yards. Duke is number 7 in rushing yards with 1213 yards. Karlos Williams is 110 with 520 yards. Yearby is 157th with 421 yards. Dalvin Cook is 161st with 416 yards. Miami averages 199.3 yards per game rushing. FSU averages 129.9 yards per game rushing. We have a huge advantage in the running game.

In pass efficiency, Kaaya is 11th with 2087 yards, with 20 tds and 9 ints and a 157.6 QBR. Winston is 21st with 2540 yards, with 17 tds and 11 ints, and a 150.8 QBR. I don't see this matchup as much more than a draw. Both guys will make their plays and a mistake here or there.

So if Miami can run, can FSU defend it? Rushing defense stats. Miami - 31st, allowing 131.9 yards a game on the ground. FSU - 35th allowing 135.7 yards per game. In the games I have watched FSU this year, it seems they are more vulnerable to the run compared to the last few years.

So if Miami and FSU can pass, who can defend better? Miami is 18th in pass efficiency defense, allowing 9 touchdowns with 8 ints and a 107 rating. FSU is 65th in pass efficiency defense, allowing 15 tds to 9 ints and a 126.8 rating. Miami is 11th in total defense and FSU is 49th.

Stats are just stats and all but some of them seem to favor us.

I like our chances.

Related articles

FSU ready for Johnson, 'Canes

Florida State vs. Miami odds, guide, and prediction

Florida State Football's Road to Making the College Football Playoff

Duke Johnson closing in on Miami's all-time rushing mark

Comments

[TonyCane]

It was the sound of the phone at 4:00am that awoke Jimbo Fischer. He tried to ignore it, pulling his Seminole snuggie closer, but the buzzing persisted. A poor night's sleep was the final brick in a week punctuated by a growing sense of dread. Everything was coming down to this weekend.

He finally sat up and answered the phone. "This is Coach", he said wearily.

There was silence on the other end for a moment. Then stifled laughter.

"This is your wake up call. Seminoles...come out and pllllaaayyyyy....."

[86Cane]

NEW BLOG IS UP!

[ML Alumni1970]

For all of our sanity and deep,SINCERE love for our CANES, FILL the STADIUM, CHEER LIKE HELL, HONOR OUR SCHOOL AND STAY SAFE. SHOW WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CANE.

[Lurker]

#BeatFSU

... and a big no, WW, FSU does not suck, at least not in terms of being a great football team. 25 straight, undefeated, reigning National champs. That's not suckage.

Some of them may suck as human beings, and they haven't played to their potential yet this year, but NO, they don't suck.

[86Cane]

#GoCanesBeatFSU

[WWIN]

Posted by: j.w. | November 14, 2014 at 03:12 PM

Everything is in our favor for this game! They are LUCKY to be undefeated, we should be undefeated too, if we were lucky we would be undefeated too. Without that kickoff returned for a TD against Louisville, Duke's fumble against Nebraska, the fake punt against GA Tech we would be undefeated too! Fsu has NOT played anybody! UNC has a better offense than them and they damn sho can't stop anybody from scoring, so why should we lose to them again? Because they've played nobody and haven't lost? If they didn't win the title last year that wouldn't even be considered for competing for it this year!

They SUCK!

[CaneRock]

Did ya'll know...that since 2001, Bryant McKinnie is the ONLY O-Lineman that has placed top 10 in the Heisman voting.

[The Dude]

McGahee 2002 stats. *Currently BEST EVER at The U* At the end of the year Duke should be in the conversation.

Rushing
Att: 282 Yds: 1,753 TDs: 28

Receiving
Rec: 27 Yds: 355 TDs: 0

[BigWindyCane1]

All things considered this could be the best individual performance by a RB in Miami's history.

Posted by: The Dude | November 14, 2014 at 05:38 PM

I agree Dude that if Duke hasa big game tomorrow night and carries the Canes tonvictory, he might want to get fitted for a tux.

[THE MAN]

I thought the year McGahee had 1700 yds and 27 tds and wasn't even really considered for the Heisman that no RB should ever be considered then. Duke is going off this year. If he does the next 3 games what he has the last 3 games then there is no way he shouldn't be in NY.

[BigWindyCane1]

Too bad about Quinton Flowers brother. Saw him play several times and he is a was great at Miami Jackson. Actually saw Taggert at one of his games, and I also saw his last game against Immokalee where Alexander got away with a push off and defensive interference at the end of the game. Edgerrin James was there at that game and got a chance to meet him.

I liked Flowers but didn't like him as a QB for UM. Still, this incident with Q flowers brother underscores the difficult circumstances some south Florida recruits grow up in. I hate to say this but When some recruits leave south Fla to play college football, it's actually good for them to get away from these distractions.

[The Dude]

Posted by: THE MAN | November 14, 2014 at 05:56 PM

He did, but he also had All-Americans all over, and while this Miami team is oozing talent, its not 2002.

[1mg of Epi]

This outcome of this game will hinge on our defensive strategy. If we give them 5 yards in an effort to defend against the big play its gonna be a long night. We will end up with TOP around 20 min, a la GT. FSU is very talented, with the best QB in the nation. We are gonna have to disrupt him as much as possible and hope for the best. If we let him sit back and throw he will pick us apart 4-7 yards at a time. They're gonna score, but we can force him into bad decisions if we can mix in blitzes, man etc. we just need to limit the soft zone. At the end of the day D'no will have to call the game situationally. Recently he has done just that... So there is hope!

[Go Canes]

I used to think McGahee had the best year any RB has ever had here, but this season by Duke is giving it a major run for the money.

[Go Canes]

@ESPNCFB: "Miami can & will win this football game"

@ESPNRobertSmith earlier during @ESPN_FirstTake on FSU/Miami #FSUvsMIA http://t.co/f8I1XwvTK0

[THE MAN]

Posted by: The Dude | November 14, 2014 at 05:38 PM

Agreed. Didn't McGahee have 27 TD's or something like that?

[The Dude]

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 14, 2014 at 04:53 PM

Pretty cool. This is why I committed way back when, lol.

[The Dude]

I think its pretty much Marcus Mariota's trophy unless something crazy happens like an injury.

[The Dude]

ESPN Experts' Poll
Nov. 11, 2014
Name Position School Year 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total
Marcus Mariota QB Oregon Jr. 8 2 0 0 0 48
Dak Prescott QB Miss. State Jr. 2 4 1 2 1 34
Melvin Gordon RB Wisconsin Jr. 0 3 2 3 2 26
Trevone Boykin QB TCU Jr. 0 1 4 2 2 22
Amari Cooper WR Alabama Jr. 0 0 2 2 1 11
Duke Johnson RB Miami (FL) Jr. 0 0 0 1 1 3
Jameis Winston QB Florida State So. 0 0 1 0 0 3
J.T. Barrett QB Ohio State Fr. 0 0 0 0 1 1
Bryce Petty QB Baylor Sr. 0 0 0 0 1 1
Shaq Thompson LB/RB Washington Jr. 0 0 0 0 1 1

[The Dude]

Currently Duke is 10th in rushing average, 8th in yards and 5th in all purpose yards. If he can put up big numbers in this one he might want to get fitted for a tux.

[The Dude]

So if the Duke keeps it up through 13 games, here's what his number will look like.

Rushing
Att: 228 Yds: 1,751 TDs: 13 Avg: 7.7

Receiving
Rec: 30 Yds: 394 TDs: 3

All things considered this could be the best individual performance by a RB in Miami's history.

[Pompano cane]

http://youtu.be/Yx9fjlGCpx8

Check this out

[The Dude]

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- When Florida State and Miami meet this weekend, their game will feature the current Atlantic Coast Conference leader in touchdown passes, yards per attempt, yards per completion and quarterback rating.

Jameis Winston also will be there.

On one sideline, there's Winston, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who still hasn't lost a collegiate game and will be aiming to lead the second-ranked Seminoles (9-0, 6-0 ACC) to their 26th consecutive victory. On the other side, there's Brad Kaaya, the true Miami freshman who is already turning heads and setting records at the place once called "Quarterback U."

The quarterback matchup alone might be worth the steep price of admission into the stadium the Hurricanes (6-3, 3-2) call home on Saturday night.

"He always finds a way to win," Kaaya said of Winston. "And he's also really good at tuning out all the outside noise, no matter what's going on. He doesn't let anything from the outside affect him."

Without question, Winston is more accomplished than Kaaya so far. Also without question, he's dealt with more distractions than the Miami quarterback -- or perhaps anyone else in college football, for that matter, with off-field issues dogging both of his Seminole seasons. But when looking at the sheer basics of quarterback play like arm strength and decision-making, it becomes easy to see some parallels.

"Jameis has the edge in arm strength. He's bigger and stronger," said Miami offensive coordinator James Coley, who had the same job at Florida State until last season. "He has an elite arm. Brad, he's got an elite arm as well. And he's going to get stronger."

The numbers this season are relatively close in plenty of areas.

Kaaya has 20 touchdowns, averaging 9 yards per attempt and 14.5 yards per completion.

Winston has 17 touchdowns, averaging 8.6 yards per attempt and 13 yards per completion.

"I know he is playing very well and he is a very talented guy," Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said of Kaaya. "I know the offense that he is in. James carries a lot of things that we do plus some other things he does. He has to be a very cerebral guy and a very mental guy to be where he is at right and having the success. He obviously has tremendous upside."

Based on Miami's listed records, Kaaya is 242 yards away from matching Bernie Kosar's school record for yards as a freshman, true or redshirt. He's the first Miami freshman quarterback to throw 20 touchdown passes. He's also on pace to become just the sixth player in school history to throw for 2,500 yards in his first season as the primary starter.

"We have a franchise quarterback," Miami coach Al Golden said.

So, too, does Florida State.

Winston's numbers aren't as gaudy in 2014 as they were in his 40-touchdown, 10-interception campaign as a freshman who won everything there was to win. He already has 11 interceptions this season, his yards-per-attempt is down and his quarterback rating has dipped nearly 35 points from where he finished a year ago.

That being said, he's still 22-0 as a starter.

"I've got to stop turning the ball over, and we've got to start making some noise in the first half," Winston said. "But the good thing is our defense is playing lights out. They continue to play better and better, but my job as the leader of the team and as the quarterback of this team, I have to put both sides of the ball in good position to win the game."

That's what he's always done.

That's what Kaaya is learning to do.

That's why this matchup could be special. Winston was spectacular as a freshman. Kaaya might be on a similar path.

"People can say Brad's a freshman," Miami running back Duke Johnson said. "But to us, he's not a freshman anymore. He's the quarterback."

Miami is fully aware of the massive challenge that the Seminoles will provide, but the Hurricanes also know Saturday night's matchup represents a chance to take a giant step forward.

"It's an enormous opportunity to prove something to the world," Kaaya said. "A lot of people doubted us, I'm sure a lot of people still continue to and they have good reason to. We just have to keep progressing as a team."

Winning this one, yes, that would classify as progressing.

The FSU resume: Defending national champions, reigning Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback in Winston, school-record 25 straight wins, 42-3 in its past 45 games, four straight wins over the Hurricanes, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation and No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

The Seminoles know Miami would love to put a serious dent into all that.

"The mentality probably will be different because we've got players from the state of Florida that know about this rivalry and just live and breathe this rivalry," Winston said.

"It's definitely going to be a great experience for me to go to Miami and play against those guys because they have a great team, and they're looking to be the team to beat us."

Consider that a bit of an understatement.

"You come to Miami," Hurricanes offensive lineman Shane McDermott said, "to beat Florida State."

Florida State hasn't let that happen since 2009, winning the past four meetings by a combined 142-70.

While oddsmakers have expected Seminole romps in recent years, the Hurricanes are merely 2 1/2-point underdogs this time around. Miami has won its past three games overall and 13 of its past 14 at home.

"Everybody involved in it knows it's a big game," Golden said. "We've just got to focus on what we can control and we've been doing a good job of that over the last month."

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=400547770

[Sarasota 'cane]

Sota they have a solid offense but O'leary is far from eign the best tightend in the game and i don't see a dominant runner.

Posted by: UpNorthCane | November 14, 2014 at 04:53 PM

"Best" is a stretch, but his size is formidable, especially when he starts running down hill. I think they have the most "complete" offense that UM will face all year.

[The Dude]

You guys see the reported Stanton deal? 12 years 325 million. Crazy money. Maybe Lauria sells the team after this?

[Sarasota 'cane]

Did the Miami case break the NCAA?

Posted by: The Dude | November 14, 2014 at 04:43 PM

More like a bytch slap with a "mean mug" thrown in for good measure. The NCAA is a shell of their former corrupt self!!

[UpNorthCane27]

Sota they have a solid offense but O'leary is far from eign the best tightend in the game and i don't see a dominant runner.

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU now5 seconds ago

Bar Milo seems to be enjoying his OV to #TheU RT @Milo79Bar Sooo this is Miami during November. This place is great 🙌

pic.twitter.com/ywTSLsuVNK

[Sarasota 'cane]

As far as the game goes I think we will get our points, I just cannot see how we are going to stop all phases of FSU's offense.

They can run, have the best TE in the game, they have receivers, and they have Winston. It's going to be like a game of "wack-a-mole"! It will come down to UM's pass rush IMO. UM will have to rattle Winston in the backfield or he will dink and dunk us to death.

I don't get the line either. It's just odd that UM is only a 1.5 - 2 point dog to me.

Anyway I've seen us do more with less so it will be fun to watch. I hope Kaaya and Co. keep it close into the 4th quarter which would give them a huge boost of confidence and could make it either team's ball game late.

That's the best I can do!!

Go 'canes!!

[The Dude]

Did the Miami case break the NCAA?

[The Dude]

Bobby Bowden is money on ESPN. Says Miami can challenge FSU now.

[The Dude]

I don't know if we'll win or lose but there's no doubt we should play them tough.

[Sarasota 'cane]

When you factor in the FSU legal troubles and the UF Hernandez/Pouncey twins alleged shooting after the Ole Miss game in 2008 UM's strip club and bowling alley bar tabs looks pretty benign!

And to think many of their fans wanted UM to get the death penalty!

College football is a cesspool with no sign of letting up anytime soon now that the NCAA has been hobbled.

[The Dude]

Posted by: Go Canes | November 14, 2014 at 04:26 PM

This is like watching a movie. FSU has become a parody of CF.

[The Dude]

Our success in running the ball as of late has been based on having a dominant OL, don't be shocked if we can't establish the run with the same effectiveness against one of the more talented DLs in the country. We have to have a plan B on how we will score points. We have to keep up with FSU and step on their neck every chance we get. Last year I actually thought Mark had a good plan against Winston and he baited him into some bad throws. We need those bad throws to go the other way in a hurry (Burns, Gunter, Elder). We need to see if we can be effective running the ball but for God's sake, if its not there we can't die by it. This is a key game for the staff to show what they can do. If they win, a huge surge of support will be behind them. If not, the start of 2015 will be uglier than 2014.

[Go Canes]

Just read the NYT article about that hit and run.

What a freaking disgrace.

[30CINCO]

Miami Hurricanes Football Game 10 Preview: Florida State

After two agonizing weeks of waiting, Florida State-Miami is finally tomorrow. Can Al Golden pick up his first signature win? Can the ‘Canes finally be the team to put a pretty lucky undefeated squad into the loss column? (To any FSU fans reading this: that’s NOT to say Florida State isn’t one of the best teams in the country.) We find out tomorrow night.

Read More here: http://caneswarning.com/2014/11/14/miami-hurricanes-football-game-10-preview-florida-state/

[Ohio_Cane]

USF Football ‏@USFFootball 1h1 hour ago

Our thoughts & prayers are with Quinton Flowers & his family following the tragic slaying of his older brother Brad in Miami last night

Hate to see this...

[j.w.]

Who's QB is playing better, ours or theirs?

Who's RB is playing better, ours or theirs?

Who's D is playing better, ours or theirs?

Hell, who's team is playing better now? Where's the game at? Who's 13-1 at home the last 14 home games?

Posted by: WWIM | November 14, 2014 at 02:14 PM
Who is undefeated and who is unranked? Who is favored again? We are playing well, but we haven't exactly beaten the best of the best in this 3 game winning streak. We don't need to play a perfect game to win this one, nor would it be the biggest win in school history if we do. But we're not the 2001 Canes, and they are deeper than us.

[WWIN]

WWIM...Who's team is playing better?...answer...#TEAMHEAT!...#ALLLLLLLDAY!

Posted by: CaneRock | November 14, 2014 at 02:17 PM

Da Canes!!!!

[CaneRock]

2.We have to get to Winston and bring him down. Watching FSU several times this year, Winston throws alot off his back foot, especially slants but some how he completes these passes. We need to press their WR's and knock them off their routes. If we lay back Winston chews us up with slants curls and outs.
3.We have to stop their run game and not let them get outside. FSU basically has a senior laden line-up up front and although they haven't played that well, they still are tough.

Posted by: That was then this is NOW! | November 14, 2014 at 02:44 PM

2. I agree, but we can't play man to man all game, we have to mix it up. But we actually have done a good job of mixing up the coverages as of late.

3. I agree, they haven't played well...but I think that's because they're not that good. I think since they put Cook in, He's made them look better than they really are. And they're starting a RS-Fr at Center BTW.

But good overall breakdown.

[30CINCO]

Hit n Run? Suspended license? Totaled Vehicles? Slurred Speech?

Nothing to see here, keep it moving

[That was then this is NOW!]

For me the keys to victory,
1.Can we run the ball against a stacked front. FSU should and will try and make Kaaya beat them throwing. What scares me, is every time we've had extra time to prepare for a team we flop like a fish on a boat deck!
2.We have to get to Winston and bring him down. Watching FSU several times this year, Winston throws alot off his back foot, especially slants but some how he completes these passes. We need to press their WR's and knock them off their routes. If we lay back Winston chews us up with slants curls and outs.
3.We have to stop their run game and not let them get outside. FSU basically has a senior laden line-up up front and although they haven't played that well, they still are tough.
4.Play to win the dam game. No playing scared with the play calling.
5.Win the time of possession battle, something we rarely do.
6.Get off the field on 3RD down and make close to half of your own.
7.Play 4 quarters. The last 10 games FSU has played including the Nat'l championship game, the should have lost at least 4 times but as we know have won them all, no matter the score. They have made adjustments at half time better than anyone and as a result, have looked like a championship caliber team in the 2ND half of those games.
8.Dorsett, Coley & Walford have to be difference makers and I'm not talking catching 5 or 6 balls between them like they have most games. The reports I've read are pretty much right on, they don't get a lot of seperation on passes of 20 yds or less because they are not good route runners. Dorsett with all his speed, should average at least 6 catches a game. Bama doesn't have a problem getting Cooper the ball that many times and neither should we.
9.Somebody has to move Goldman out of the way and not let him clog the middle up.
10.FSU has more overall talent than we do on defense but if we play together like we have 4 of the last 5 games, it won't matter things will even out.
11.Win the turn over battle and keep the field flipped. It hasn't seemed to matter much to FSU, mainly because they just flat out have way more talent than everybody they've faced and can over come T.O.'s better than anyone.
FSU has had a lot of luck and the good teams find a way to win those ugly games and we have played pretty ugly on the nat'l stage against Nat'l ranked teams lately, so hopefully the worm will finally have turned and we can take all our frustrations of the last 10 years out on these bums, 35-34. we are close but it will take every thing we have to pull it off.

[laquinton]

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/15/sports/ncaafootball/for-an-fsu-football-player-a-hit-and-run-becomes-two-traffic-tickets.html?referrer=

Lmao. Jimbo is Urban a couple years ago

[Ohio_Cane]

LMAO, CR!

[CaneRock]

WWIM...Who's team is playing better?...answer...#TEAMHEAT!...#ALLLLLLLDAY!

[WWIN]

WWIM- I wouldn't go as far as to say we should win. We could win, we can win, etc. but we are not the favorite by any means. My heart says we win, but my head tells me something very different. My gut isn't sure.

Posted by: j.w. | November 14, 2014 at 01:24 PM

Who's QB is playing better, ours or theirs?

Who's RB is playing better, ours or theirs?

Who's D is playing better, ours or theirs?

Hell, who's team is playing better now? Where's the game at? Who's 13-1 at home the last 14 home games?

[Ohio_Cane]

When did we turn into Wisconsin?

Posted by: WWIM | November 14, 2014 at 02:10 PM
--------------------------------------------

Who cares? We're winning...

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU 39s39 seconds ago

And, poof, like that, Al Golden is done.

[WWIN]

If the Canes run 40+ times they Willl win this game convincingly. I am confident of that.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | November 14, 2014 at 12:10 PM

When did we turn into Wisconsin?

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU 1m1 minute ago

Golden "(Duke Johnson's play) has been pivotal" Goes on to extoll all the glories of Duke Johnson we know so well.

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU 11s12 seconds ago

Golden "I think (Kaaya) has developed. You're we're starting to see his personality come out...we're very proud of his progress thru the yr"

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU now5 seconds ago

Golden being asked about Brad Kaaya now.

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU now

Golden: "I don't' see the average very much" when asked about Winston. "He provides a great challenge for us."

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU 14s15 seconds ago

Golden: We're playing with confidence, we're playing together, and we're playing well in all 3 phases.

[laquinton]

Win the battle upfront. That's all. Go canes.

[Ohio_Cane]

StateOfTheU.com ‏@TheStateOfTheU 4s4 seconds ago

Sportscenter talking about #Canes-#Noles now. Al Golden is about to talk. Turn to ESPN RIGHT NOW.

[Ohio_Cane]

Connor Ennis ‏@EnnisNYT 10m10 minutes ago

Fla. St. football player involved in hit and run crash that was reduced to two traffic tickets http://nyti.ms/1x1XE4Q

[Go Canes]

Ohio_Cane
^^^ Oh, and NO TURNOVERS!

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 14, 2014 at 01:42 PM

This too!!

[Go Canes]

Been saying it all season, but it's never been more important than in tomorrow's game.

We must win third down on both sides of the ball to have any chance to take this game.

We cannot have multiple/consecutive stalled drives on offense and expect to compete. In my opinion we should be able to run the ball, but that mail also lead to a lot of third downs.

Convert a majority of those we win, fail on those we lose.

[Ohio_Cane]

^^^ Oh, and NO TURNOVERS!

[Ohio_Cane]

If we keep their O off the field, we win convincingly.

That means running the ball well and a lot, keeping chains moving on 3rd down, and scoring TD's instead of FG's

[CaneRock]

If the Canes run 40+ times they Willl win this game convincingly. I am confident of that.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | November 14, 2014 at 12:10 PM

I agree. And besides Duke's performances running the ball, His blitz pick-up have been just as good, or even better. Another guy that doesn't get credit for His blocking, is Tucker...I was worried about that FB spot when Mo graduated, but Tucker has filled in nicely.

[j.w.]

WWIM- I wouldn't go as far as to say we should win. We could win, we can win, etc. but we are not the favorite by any means. My heart says we win, but my head tells me something very different. My gut isn't sure.

[j.w.]

Tannehill could have easily run for first down. Instead, he throws a shltty pass. His decision making and intellect have always been suspect.

Posted by: Lurker | November 13, 2014 at 09:36 PM
Lurker, I thought the same thing when that play happened. Not terribly bright I suspect.

[Go Canes]

@CollegeGameDay: Can Miami (FL) snap another Seminoles' winning streak? #FSUvsMIA http://t.co/rokRHVTxxB

[BigWindyCane1]

They'll start with eight in the box.

@osfsu: Force Kaaya to beat you, that's the name of the game for FSU. Miami has complete faith that Kaaya can do it. We'll see.

Posted by: Go Canes | November 14, 2014 at 09:59 AM
-----------------------------------------

But I think UM continues what they've been doing the last 3 games...double TEs, run between the tackles, and make timely throws. I think Walford and/or Flowers can hold their own with Edwards, but that Goldman kid is just a freakin' load.

Posted by: CaneRock | November 14, 2014 at 10:34 AM

I agree with CaneRock. I would like to see them mix up the run and keep them off-balance with the run as they have done the last few games. For example, running from under center, running out of the shotgun, running stretch right and left, sweeps, off-tackle, from shotgun, from wildcat with Duke at QB, etc.

Kaaya and the Canes are best when Kaaya makes 20-25 throws and the Canes run the ball more than 40+ times, control the clock, rest the D and make timely big plays on offense. Keeping turnovers to a minimum is also important when you play against a very talented defense like FSU's. When you run successfully, the big plays in the passing game will be there.

Duke and his OL are on a roll. It seems they have found a rythm. The return of Flowers is huge (no pun intended). If the Canes run 40+ times they Willl win this game convincingly. I am confident of that.

[UpNorthCane27]

WWIM hate will never get between me and my paper homie, but that couple wasn't the only one interested in the apartment mayne. And ill be dammed if i was gonna have a goddammnnnn seminole renting the apartment.

And to answer your idea of raising the rent, i would probably have to deal with payments not being amde on time and people squatting at my house... CHILLLL IM GOODDDD

[WWIN]

Posted by: UpNorthCane | November 14, 2014 at 11:33 AM

I'm sorry but I woulda took that fsu money! If anything I woulda raised the rent up lol.

Never let hate come between you and yo paper!!!! Lol

[Ohio_Cane]

LMFAO @ Upnorth!!

[WWIN]

Don't go riding the Golden high horse yet!

This is the game where we'll see what he's made of. And don't start hyping up all this fsu is a great team stuff! Mediocre teams have given them the business this year and they're not the same team from last year.

This is a game that we SHOULD WIN!

[Go Canes]

Well deserved. Not overly powerful but he's been very precise.

@ByTimReynolds: Miami's Justin Vogel is a Ray Guy Award semifinalist.

[CaneRock]

Guys for the next two days lets not go back and fourth and beat on the same old dead horse.

Posted by: UpNorthCane | November 14, 2014 at 11:23 AM

IKR. NOBODY'S changing ANYBODY'S mind on here as far as Golden is concerned, so let's just sit back,relax, and enjoy the game tomorrow night.

[UpNorthCane27]

True story fellas...

I had an apartment for rent, a guy and his girlfriend came by to take a look at it. Everything was going well, he said he was a football coach, so i asked him who do you like in college and he said "FSU" and i said "WHO?". Once i finished showing him the apartment and he filled out his application i gave them a nice wave goodbye, ran upstairs and tore that application to shyt!!!!

GTFO here with your seminole ass, this is a family home goddamitt!!!

[30CINCO]

Posted by: UpNorthCane | November 14, 2014 at 11:23 AM
-----------------------------------------------------
Been talking a lot of trash this week with a few FSpoo co-workers.

MUST WIN INDEED!! lol!

[UpNorthCane27]

Guys for the next two days lets not go back and fourth and beat on the same old dead horse.

We need to focus our energy and positive vibes on the U. I'm not the type to say this is a must win, or that it's do or die, but i truly believe that this game will have a big impact on the future and direction of this program.

with all that said and done, LEGOOOOOOOOO KICK SOME MUTHAPHUCKING ASS!!!!!!!

[30CINCO]

FSpoo's POV:

Florida State football: Miami preview and prediction:

"Miami's defense is a multiple 3-4 look with a ton of experience -- 10 of 11 starters are upperclassmen, and many of the reserves as well. As a result, Miami has managed to remedy its problems of years past, as the Hurricanes are now 11th in stopping explosive drives, a huge improvement over ranking 66th in 2013 and 62nd in 2012. Miami does this by keeping a safety very deep over the top to deny the deep ball, and by being more comfortable in the system thanks to experience, which has resulted in far fewer blown assignments. Other measures back this up, as well.

The strength is big-play prevention; the Hurricanes rank fourth in IsoPPP, which measures the magnitude of an opponent's successful plays. Basically, the Hurricanes allow smaller big plays than almost anybody else.

...

Golden stuck with defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio despite iffy years, and it appears to be paying off. And defensive experience is finally not a weakness. Of the 26 players on Miami's two-deep, six are seniors and 11 are juniors."

http://www.tomahawknation.com/2014/11/14/7186893/florida-state-football-miami-preview-prediction

[CaneRock]

^^^^^^^^^LOL.

[Go Canes]

I have zero desire to change anyone's mind.

But saying USC is somehow doing more with less than us is a completely false statement, backed with statistics and facts.

I know those mean nothing to some.

[CaneRock]

LMAO! Can the Goldenites agree that they're not gonna change anybody's mind about Golden?...that Golden has to do that? Ya'll just sound silly (and funny) with your little drive-bys...stop it LMAO!

[CaneRock]

But I think UM continues what they've been doing the last 3 games...double TEs, run between the tackles, and make timely throws. I think Walford and/or Flowers can hold their own with Edwards, but that Goldman kid is just a freakin' load.

[Lurker]

"Why let facts get in the way"?

The game was in Boston, not LA...fact.

Posted by: CaneRock | November 14, 2014 at 09:51 AM

Makes no difference. It's BC. Fact.

[CaneRock]

And Kaaya will check to a play action deep to Coley or Dorsett for 6 on the first play of the game.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 14, 2014 at 10:16 AM

If it's one game that Coley needs to start stepping up, it's THIS ONE!

[Ohio_Cane]

They'll start with eight in the box.

@osfsu: Force Kaaya to beat you, that's the name of the game for FSU. Miami has complete faith that Kaaya can do it. We'll see.

Posted by: Go Canes | November 14, 2014 at 09:59 AM
-----------------------------------------

And Kaaya will check to a play action deep to Coley or Dorsett for 6 on the first play of the game.

Let em load the box with 8. Kaaya will set records.

[Go Canes]

They'll start with eight in the box.

@osfsu: Force Kaaya to beat you, that's the name of the game for FSU. Miami has complete faith that Kaaya can do it. We'll see.

[CaneRock]

"Why let facts get in the way"?

The game was in Boston, not LA...fact.

[Go Canes]

Ohio, I think the list of prospects NOT coming may be shorter!

[Ohio_Cane]

Visitor list for Canes vs FSU:

2015

ATH Rodrick Archer (South Plantation)

S Shawn Burgess-Becker (Monarch)

WR Antonio Callaway (Booker T. Washington)

LB Tevon Coney (Palm Beach Gardens)

CB Carlton Davis (Norland)

CB Davante Davis (Booker T. Washington)

DL Ryan Fines (IMG Academy)

OL Tyler Gauthier (Venice)

DL Rasheem Green (Junipero Serra, CA)

LB John Houston (Junipero Serra, CA)

CB Mike Jackson (Spain Park, AL)

S Jaquan Johnson (Killian)

DL Shelton Johnson (Atlantic Community)

ATH Jalen Julius (West Orange)

QB Dwayne Lawson (Hillsborough)

OL Brendan Loftus (Godby)

OL Hayden Mahoney (Malvern Prep, PA)

DL Richard McIntosh, Jr. (Cardinal Gibbons)

OL Bar Milo (Chaminade Prep, CA)

DL Scott Patchan (IMG Academy)

LB Charles Perry (Royal Palm Beach)

WR DaVante Phillips (Miami Central)

WR Calvin Ridley (Monarch)

LB Quarte Sapp (Milton, GA)

RB Jordan Scarlett (St. Thomas Aquinas)

OL Tyree St. Louis (IMG Academy)

DL Jason Strowbridge (Deerfield Beach)

RB Mark Walton (Booker T. Washington)

RB Dexter Williams (West Orange)

2016

QB Jack Allison (Palmetto)

TE Cary Angeline (Downingtown East, PA)

DL Patrick Bethel (Vero Beach)

OL Parker Boudreaux (Bishop Moore)

WR Sam Bruce (St. Thomas Aquinas)

DL Brian Burns (American Heritage)

LB Devin Bush, Jr. (Flanagan)

DL Keyshon Camp (Lake Gibson)

CB Dontye Carriere-Williams (Booker T. Washington)

WR TJ Chase (IMG Academy)

S Jamel Cook (Miami Central)

WR Nate Craig (Tampa Catholic)

TE Nick Eubanks (American Heritage)

ATH Chauncey Gardner (Cocoa)

DL Joseph Jackson (Gulliver Prep)

OL Baveon Johnson (Lake Gibson)

DL Shavar Manuel (Blake)

RB Deon McIntosh (Cardinal Gibbons)

CB Trayvon Mullen (Coconut Creek)

WR Dionte Mullins (Gulliver Prep)

LB Michael Pinckney (Raines)

WR Freddie Pinder (Southridge)

LB Shaquille Quarterman (Oakleaf)

WR Ahmmon Richards (Wellington)

WR Cavin Ridley (Monarch)

CB Saivion Smith (IMG Academy)

WR Dredrick Snelson (American Heritage)

S Devin Studstill (Palm Beach Gardens)

RB Tyrek Tisdale (Oak Ridge)

WR Binjimen Victor (Coconut Creek)

S Cedrick Wright (Gulliver Prep)

ATH Malek Young (Coconut Creek)

2017

ATH Juwan Burgess (Blake)

RB Robert Burns (Gulliver Prep)

CB Brian Edwards (Miramar)

WR Kemore Gamble (Coral Gables)

WR Emmanuel Greene (Coconut Creek)

WR Leroy Henley (Cardinal Gibbons)

WR Jerry Jeudy (Monarch)

CB Stanford Samuels III (Flanagan)

S Daniel Wright (Cardinal Gibbons)

[Lurker]

^^^^^^^^^^

That's really funny!!!

[30CINCO]

"He called me from the game and said, 'Coach, I can't wait to come down and be a Hurricane,'" Coley recalled of the conversation he and Kaaya had that night while the quarterback was at the Rose Bowl to see Florida State's 34-31 win over Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game. "He knew then this game was coming. This game is part of Brad Kaaya's history at the University of Miami."

http://www.troll.me/images/baby-to/thats-my-quarterback-thumb.jpg

[Lurker]

Posted by: Go Canes | November 14, 2014 at 09:03 AM

Why let facts get in the way.

I'm hopeful the canes win, but I'm not sitting around waiting for them to lose so I can start tearing into the coaches again.

[360Cane]

2 weeks to prepare. No excuses. []_[]

[Go Canes]

Great article on Kaaya 30. Coaches over there seem genuinely impressed with the way Coley and the rest of our staffing is developing him.

Hope that continues to open up the pipeline back to California where we have picked up some of the best players in our program's history.

[Go Canes]

Are you sure USC's coach hasn't said that? If he's not he definitely should be.

Cause last time I checked they have three losses, including an embarrassing one at home to unranked Boston College where they gave up over 450 yards rushing.

Is that better or worse than the 300 we gave up on the road to two of the top five or six rushing teams in the country?

Like us, they've been facing a total rebuild. Like us, they are recruiting very well and doing an excellent job getting back to national relevance.

[86Cane]

When Miami Dolphins rookie receiver Jarvis Landry dived into the end zone for a fourth-quarter touchdown, he was just getting started. A replay review upheld the score, and Landry then sprinted up and down the sideline in a celebration of redemption.

Landry bounced back from a potentially disastrous fumble, and the Dolphins ended a streak of three consecutive losses to Buffalo, overcoming a third-quarter deficit to win 22-9.

Ryan Tannehill shook off five sacks to throw late touchdown passes of 7 yards to Brandon Gibson and 8 yards to Landry. Tannehill went 26 for 34 for 240 yards, and Lamar Miller rushed for 86 yards.

Miami trailed 9-3 before outscoring Buffalo 19-0 over the final 18 minutes. The Dolphins improved to 6-4, their best record after 10 games since 2008.

The Bills, trying to end a 14-year playoff drought, fell to 5-5 with their second loss in a row.

Stymied by Buffalo's front four in recent meetings, the Dolphins had scored one touchdown in 33 possessions against the Bills before late TD drives of 80 and 63 yards. Otherwise a stout defense did the heavy lifting for Miami, which scored a safety on a penalty.

[CaneRock]

What's on the menu for this week's Unity Dinner? Just a little something special in honor of FSU quarterback Jameis Winston.

"Barbecue chicken, barbecue ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, seafood rice, salad, steaks and... crab legs,'' Cassandra said, laughing. "That was my husband's idea. He had to have crab legs."

LMAO!

[30CINCO]

Unity Dinner tonight at Duke's house: barbecue chicken, ribs, steak -- and of course, crab legs
By Susan Miller Degnan, miamiherald.typepad.com

Just talked to Cassandra Mitchell, Miami running back Duke Johnson's No. 1 fan, who also happens to be his mother.

Cassandra is having a feast tonight for the Miami Hurricane running backs and defensive backs.

It's called a "Unity Dinner,'' and Cassandra said that UM coach Al Golden started the tradition when he began coaching the Hurricanes in 2011.

"Every Thursday before home games they have a meeting,'' Cassandra said of the players, "and all the position groups break up and go to dinner.''

Usually, the running backs head to Cassandra's house in Miramar.

But because this week is the heralded UM-FSU game, the Mitchells invited the DBs as well.

"I wanted to invite the O-line,'' Cassandra said, "but I didn't think I could feed them all.''

What's on the menu for this week's Unity Dinner? Just a little something special in honor of FSU quarterback Jameis Winston.

"Barbecue chicken, barbecue ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, seafood rice, salad, steaks and... crab legs,'' Cassandra said, laughing. "That was my husband's idea. He had to have crab legs."

Duane Mitchell, Cassandra's husband and a Miami Beach police detective, "does the cooking,'' she said. Her dad, Alvin Williams, "does the barbecuing, and I do the seafood rice. They cook enough for an army.''

She said it's a pleasure to watch the players "interacting without being serious -- relaxing. They're laughing a lot. Everybody is on their phones, on Twitter, but I make them put their phones down.''

I asked Cassandra how excited Duke is for Saturday's game.

"You know,'' she said, "I can't get any emotions out of Duke. The only think he keeps saying is, 'It's just another game, Mom. Don't change anything, don't do anything extra. Let's keep it the same way since we've been winning.'''

Here's to some hearty appetites -- on and off the football field.

[30CINCO]

UM's Brad Kaaya ready for his next test: FSU
By Christy Cabrera Chirinos, www.sun-sentinel.com

James Coley remembers the phone call, the excited voice on the other end of the line.

As he watched his former team win the national title, Miami's offensive coordinator exchanged a few brief words with the young quarterback prospect he hoped would one day lead the Hurricanes to a moment similar to the one Florida State experienced this past January in Pasadena, Calif.

At the time, neither the coach or Brad Kaaya likely imagined the moment they could share now as the freshman prepares to lead Miami's offense Saturday when the Hurricanes host the third-ranked Seminoles in the latest chapter of one of college football's most storied rivalries.

"He called me from the game and said, 'Coach, I can't wait to come down and be a Hurricane,'" Coley recalled of the conversation he and Kaaya had that night while the quarterback was at the Rose Bowl to see Florida State's 34-31 win over Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game. "He knew then this game was coming. This game is part of Brad Kaaya's history at the University of Miami."

Earlier this year, few around Miami's program expected Kaaya to be in the position in which he now finds himself. But projected starter Ryan Williams tore his ACL in spring practice. Then veteran Jake Heaps transferred to Miami and brought three years of college football experience with him, making himself one of the early front runners for Miami's starting job.

But when Kaaya arrived on campus in May, days removed from his high school graduation, his strong arm, incredibly sharp football mind, work ethic and an uncanny understanding of Miami's quarterback history quickly impressed coaches and teammates.

"A week into it, it was like, 'Holy cow. He knows as much as everybody else,'" Coley said.

In August, it was Kaaya who earned the starting nod and since, he's done plenty to reward the faith the Hurricanes have had in him. He enters Saturday's game as the ACC's touchdown leader with 20 scoring passes and is also the conference's leader in quarterback rating (157.6).

Kaaya, who has thrown for 2,087 yards, needs just 243 yards to break Bernie Kosar's freshman season record set when the former Miami great was a redshirt freshman in 1983.

But Kaaya, as expected, has made mistakes while adjusting to the college game. He's thrown nine interceptions this season, all of which came during Miami's first six games. There have been moments when Coley admits he nervously wondered if the quarterback would buckle under the pressure.

"It can give you an ulcer. You take 50 shots of Cuban coffee a day and you're a nervous wreck when you're home because you don't know what's going to happen," he said of starting a freshman. "You're always nervous. Is this the game where he completely collapses? But you have to say to yourself, 'What are you talking about? Watch him in practice.' You have to have a lot of confidence in what you're doing, what you're evaluating, whether or not it's the right thing and you have to stick to your guns."

And that's what Coley and Miami's staff have done. They stayed the course with Kaaya, something Ed Croson, Kaaya's coach at Chaminade Prep in West Hills, Calif., said has made a difference in the quarterback's development.

"He's really come of age," Croson said. "We're really proud of him and very impressed with how the way they've handled the whole situation at the University of Miami. . . . They're not hanging him out there."

Now Kaaya prepares to enter the fray against Florida State and the Seminoles' defense, a unit determined to rattle the 19-year-old who was seemingly unflappable while playing in front of more than 90,000 fans at Nebraska's Memorial Stadium in only the second road game of his college career.

His numbers and performance have been compared favorably to the ones put up by FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. And that alone makes Kaaya smile considering he spent much of his senior year watching film of Winston and several other top college quarterbacks, preparing for the day when he'd get the chance to match wits with them.

Now that moment is here and those who know him best say he's ready for what Saturday will bring.

"Their 25-game win streak, they're a really good football team, but it's really not Florida State. It's really Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 1, Sam and Mike blitz, corner fire," Coley said. "That's how the game is played in the helmet. It's not played looking at the helmet."

And for Kaaya, playing Florida State really is that simple.

"It's part of why I came here," he said with a smile.

[AeroCane]

TonyCane - that was simply awesome!

[CaneRock]

I did watch USC last night though...now there's a team exceeding expectations, with little resources (players). How many schollies do they have again, about 50-something? But you don't hear their coach saying, "We're not where we wanna be yet" LMAO!