Big Game Preview

Sporting News, The, Oct 9, 2000 by M.H.

Florida State at Miami

Why you should watch: The swagger is back. Now it's time to see if Miami can win a big game--this time against bitter rival FSU. For all that Butch Davis has accomplished as Miami coach (and considering the state of the program when he arrived, there's plenty), the 'Canes are still looking for a marquee victory. The win over UCLA in '98 was nice, but the Bruins aren't the Seminoles, who have won 17 straight games and five in a row over Miami.

Game keys: Miami must pressure unflappable FSU QB Chris Weinke into poor decisions, bringing blitzes with LBs Dan Morgan and Chris Campbell and Ss Edward Reed and Al Blades. CBs Leonard Myers and Mike Rumph are physical and active, and must play well in man coverage if the 'Canes are going to get to Weinke. FSU must throw a variety of defensive looks at Miami QB Ken Dorsey, who struggled last month in a loss at Washington. The Huskies mixed coverages and pressure and had Dorsey struggling to make simple reads. When Dorsey has problems, playmaking WRs Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne don't get the ball and the Miami offense doesn't move.

Matchup to watch: Miami RBs James Jackson and Najeh Davenport vs. FSU MLB Bradley Jennings. If FSU has a concern on defense, it's with freshman DTs Darnell Dockett and Jeff Womble. Jennings will wear down unless Dockett and Womble can at least play even with Miami's inside three. If not, Miami's big, bruising backs will get more dangerous with each carry.

Bottom line: This is clearly FSU's toughest road game, and one of three games (Clemson and Florida are the others) that will decide if the 'Noles will be back in Miami in January. The 'Canes will play inspired in the Orange Bowl. They'll force turnovers with an aggressive defense, helping to shake up the national title race.

The pick: Miami 24, Florida State 23.

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Georgia 23, Tennessee 20: QB Carter finally steps up in a big game; Bulldogs end years of frustration, futility against Vols.

Michigan 34, Purdue 28: Brees carves up Wolverines' secondary, but QB Henson, RB Thomas are too much for Boilers' defense.

Clemson 38, NC State 20: Tigers' pass rush, secondary overwhelm freshman QB Rivers; Dantzler's numbers continue to grow.

Wisconsin 27, Ohio State 21: The Bucks stop here: Bennett and the Badgers expose OSU's unbeaten run vs. weak opponents.

Oklahoma 24, Texas 21: LBs Torrance Marshall and Rocky Calmus help OU defense, not offense, get signature win for Stoops.

Auburn 23, Mississippi State 17: MSU handed third straight loss; RB Johnson and big-play secondary lead the way. --M.H.