09-02-2006, 01:00 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: MIAMI
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Miami's Keys to game vs. FSU
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From Omar Kelly's Sun-Sentinel Blog
Quote:
UM-FSU Keys
When kickers aren't involved this game is usually won by the team that makes the least amount of mistakes. I don't expect that trend to change considering the talent level on both squads are just about the same. So, it'll likely come down to which team is the most prepared for their opponent, and the moment.
For those unfamiliar with my blog here's a cliff-note. I usually put MY keys to the game up before kickoff, then revisit it after the game to assess what went right, and what went wrong.
This list is put together after listening to coaches and players from both teams for an entire week, and last year I was surprised how accurate I was (I don't have to remind U regulars about Georgia Tech do I).
So here are my 10 keys to this rivalry game. I'll be bold and predict if six of the 10 are achieved UM will leave the Orange Bowl victorious. I'll also boldly predict the more haters they hear from on Saturday while watching college football the better they'll perform.
1. Charlie Jones needs to move the chain.
Charlie Jones isn't sexy, but he knows how to move the chains by reading his blockers. To remain the starter he's going to need to average more than 4.1 yards per carry this season. A good start would be to avoid negative plays and turnovers.
2. Lance Leggett has to fight for the ball.
In the Peach Bowl it seemed as if Lance Leggett was scared of the ball. He's bigger and stronger this season, but does he have the heart to fight through traffic and put his body in harms way? Not every Kyle Wright pass is going to be perfect and Leggett must learn to do his best with what's thrown his direction.
3. Limit the Seminoles to no more than three sacks.
Three might seem like a lot but it's not, especially with three new starters - including true freshman Jason Fox - on the offensive line. More than any other unit on the field this group will need time to jell, and some help. The true test will be their stamina in the fourth quarter, so it might be a wise idea to rotate subs like Alex Pou, Tyrone Byrd and Chris Rutledge in early.
4. Force Drew Weatherford to have happy feet.
Last season Drew Weatherford completed 7-of-24 passes for 67 yards against UM, and that's with Miami managing only one sack. UM's defensive line did put him on the ground often, which eventually got into his head. Do the same this year and he'll start to question whether his offensive line has his back, and it might result in a few erratic passes and turnovers. I say look out for a breakout performance from Calais Campbell (READ A STORY ON HIM HERE) because FSU will be preoccupied with stopping Baraka Atkins and Kareem Brown.
5. Javarris James and Sam Shields must collectively contribute more than 60 yards.
Relying on true freshman is dangerous, but Javarris James will be Miami's second tailback, and Sam Shields is in the three deep set, so they'll have plenty of opportunities to make plays. They'll be successful if they can minimize their mistakes and take advantage of the few opportunities they'll receive. They also must protect the football because FSU will be looking for strips.
6. Make three big plays happen.
UM needs a cheap score. Whether it's forcing a turnover on FSU's side of the field, blocking a punt or field goal, or have a receiver get behind FSU's secondary for a big catch, the Hurricanes must find a way to make this defensive showdown easier.
7. Exploit FSU's inexperienced secondary.
The best FSU has to offer at cornerback is J.R. Bryant, who broke up all of three passes last season, an injured Tony Carter, true freshman Patrick Robinson and Michael Ray Garvin, a track standout. Even though UM's thin at receiver the Hurricanes have to like their odds against this group. Wright's accuracy will be key.
8. Make the Seminoles one dimensional.
If Lorenzo Booker's successful running between the tackles it's going to be a long night for the Hurricanes. Booker contributed 96 of Florida State's 170 yards last season, but 33 of those came off four screen passes. Last year Antone Smith averaged 5.2 yards per carry and if he's anywhere close to that average Monday Miami's going to be in trouble. Bryan Pata must live up to his run stuffing reputation to get this one done.
9. Put a body on Buster Davis.
Davis is only 5-foot-10, but don't let his limited size deceive you. He's strong and experienced (24 starts). If UM can get Andrew Bain, Anthony Wollschlager or Derrick Morse down-field on Davis plenty of running lanes will be opened up.
10. Spread the ball around.
If UM can keep Mickey Andrews guessing he'll be less aggressive. Andrews biggest fear is giving up the big play, so that means his cornerbacks won't press, which should leave the short yardage stuff open. That means Wright should look to get his backs and tight ends matched up one-on-one with FSU's linebackers.
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http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports...ge_hurricanes/
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Last edited by Wade2Bease : 09-02-2006 at 01:32 PM.
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