Gaaaaame Daaaaay: KILL KILL KILL

but, tucked in amongst messages of love and coffee, this really made me laugh.

The Hurricanes kick off the 2009 season tonight at Florida State, and never in recent memory have their been so many unanswered basic questions.

What kind of sets will the offense run?

Will Sam Shields start at CB? Will Marcus Forston start at DT? Will Allen Bailey and Forston get reps at end? Will freshmen like Ray Ray Armstrong have a sizable role?

The team was shrouded in secrecy this fall by coach Randy Shannon, as he sought to keep under wraps any surprises his new coordinators brought with them. The answers to the secrets will come fast and furious this evening. So what can fans expect?

Well, only one thing is for sure: This is not your 2008 Miami Hurricane football team.

The 2009 version will gamble on offense. And … gasp … get ready for a downfield passing game. Gone are those horizontal 15-yard throws that never netted any yards under Patrick Nix. The predictable second-and-six runs are also gone.

This offense will thrive on being unpredictable. A third-and-one pass? Bank on it.

On offense there could be some razzle-dazzle plays. Look for innovative, irregular formations.

On defense expect more blitzes and better defensive backs play – thankfully Brandon Harris, Shields and Demarcus Van Dyke have stepped up and shown they can handle the load, and Chavez Grant should be able to lock things down in three-receiver threats.

Overall the CaneSport staff feels secure in saying this offense will be much more effective than a year ago … as long as Jacory Harris stays healthy. After all, how can it not be? The numerous freshmen that saw significant reps a year ago are a year older. And the offensive coordinator position got a big step up with the hiring of Mark Whipple.

On defense the CaneSport staff entered this fall highly concerned about the cornerback spot and secure in the depth and talent level at defensive line and linebacker.

Now a bit of that is reversed. With the loss of ends Adewale Ojomo and Eric Moncur, who both were likely starters if healthy, the push upfield won’t be as good.

Which gives the quarterback more time to throw.

And, while the cornerback position has shown improved play, that extra time will leave receivers open from time to time.

So yes, we think FSU will get its points tonight. But we also expect Miami’s offense to turn in some big plays and put up some points. A shootout? It’s possible, and that might not be a bad thing for the Canes. After all, when’s the last time you saw a Miami team put up over 400 yards and 30+ points against a top 25 team?

We think that could happen tonight.

And, hopefully, the Canes find a way to win as they always did in the good old days.

 It’s time to preview tonight’s game as Miami and Florida State hook up for the 54th time and third time on Labor Day since 2005.

REWIND: The Hurricanes lost last year’s game at Land Shark Stadium in the rain 41-39, but pulled out a 37-29 win at Doak Campbell Stadium in 2007… The last six games have been decided by a total of 24 points. If it’s another close game, the Canes will probably come out victorious. UM is 10-3 in games decided by four points or less. But FSU has won the last three games decided by four points or less.

FAST FORWARD
Miami > UM wins because… Jacory Harris, Mark Whipple and the offense have a huge day against Florida State’s inexperienced and undersized secondary. FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews had a hard time containing UM’s offense in the second half of last year’s game – especially the speed on the edge with guys like Travis Benjamin. Andrews will try to disrupt Harris’ flow and slow UM’s running game with pressure from the right side (where new starters Harland Gunn, Matt Pipho will be making their debuts at guard and tackle). If Miami provides decent protection, the Canes should have no problem scoring points once again. This isn’t a very good FSU defense.

Floridastate > FSU wins because… They have another big day running the football against Miami, keeping the Canes offense and Jacory Harris off the field. We all know the Seminoles strength is the experience and talent on its offensive line. Miami has to be ready for FSU’s zone blocking schemes and ready to shutdown speedy sophomore Jermaine Thomas. Poor tackling is what plagued UM in its losses last year. Florida State and quarterback Christian Ponder ran right through the Canes defense. It wasn’t just five, six-yard pickups. It was big chunks. FSU had 10 runs of 14 or more yards last year. If Miami slows the ‘Noles running game down, FSU might have serious trouble scoring. FSU’s receivers aren’t nearly as talented as they’ve been in the past. But if the Noles win, it’s because their offensive line dominates and they pressure Jacory Harris into mistakes.

> MY PICK: Miami 30, FSU 24. Labor Day matchups are supposed to be low scoring and boring between these teams. But this year, both teams are hurting defensively up front. Miami will be without Adewale Ojomo and Eric Moncur — two of their best defensive ends — and FSU is thin themselves on the defensive line. UM always seems to have the advantage of the kicking game and will again with Matt Bosher. FSU will counter with a freshman kicker in Dustin Hopkins and new punter in Shawn Powell.

GAME BALLS
Javarris James > Offense: RB Javarris James. He’s been quiet all of camp and seriously focused on regaining the form he showed as a freshman. If he’s as healthy and as fast as his teammates have said he is, I expect for him to use this opener as a statement game. I’m calling for 19 carries, 101 yards and 2 TDs – and a few big runs on third down to help UM hold onto this game late.
> Defense: LB Colin McCarthy. The last time he was in Tallahassee he made a huge play – scooping up a fumble and returning it for a score to help Miami preserve the win. He might not make that decisive defensive play, but his return to the defense will help UM keep FSU under 130 yards rushing. He should lead the team in tackles.
> Special teams: RB Graig Cooper. He’ll get his touches on offense and have a decent day. But he’ll make a couple punt returns and kick returns that change field position drastically.

Miami at Florida State analysis: Seminoles offense vs. Hurricanes defense
posted by Andrew Carter on Sep 7, 2009 9:00:00 AM
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Well, we’re finally here. At long last, we’re finally here. Tonight, Florida State will host Miami in a nationally-televised game at Doak Campbell Stadium. No, this isn’t a vintage FSU-Miami game. Neither is ranked in the top 15, let alone the top 5. But it’s important for a variety of reasons. You already know why. The primary reason: It’s a conference game, and neither team can afford to fall into an early hole.

The primary reason, Part II: The winner tonight can take the lead in the race between these two programs to regain national relevance. In the case of Florida State, that lead would become significant, which would be important for intangible reasons (perception) and those that are more tangible (recruiting). Without further delay, let’s get to it ? a breakdown of the matchups and the official Chopping Block prediction, starting with the FSU offense vs. the Miami defense:

THE MATCHUP: Christian Ponder vs. Miami’s back seven
FOR FSU: Teammates and coaches alike have heaped praise upon Florida State junior QB Christian Ponder. They say he’s more confident these days. They say he’s more in command. And Ponder says he has embraced his leadership role and made this team his own. That was difficult at times for him last season, when he won the starting job over senior Drew Weatherford. Now, though, this is unquestionably Ponder’s team. His numbers, at least in the preseason, were impressive. He carved up the defense during the first two scrimmages, and his passing was precise. Ponder ran a lot last season but wants to do a better job of staying in the pocket this season. If he has opportunities, though, he’s still capable of running for big gains.
FOR MIAMI: MLB Darryl Sharpton, a senior, is the leader of the Hurricanes defense and a Butkus Award candidate, like teammate Sean Spence, the sophomore weakside linebacker. In Sharpton, Spence and Colin McCarthy, the Hurricanes have one of the strongest linebacking corps in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Sharpton and Spence both started the majority of the 2008 seasons. Though there’s no doubting the talent here, Miami struggled immensely against the run in ’08, and ineffective play from the linebackers contributed there. In the secondary, senior SS Randy Phillips leads a unit that starts three players with significant starting experience. The Hurricanes were strong against the pass last season there likely isn’t an all-star in the Hurricanes’ secondary.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Even. Ponder must prove that he actually has made the strides that teammates and coaches say he has. Miami’s back seven is talented as always and they’re experienced.

THE MATCHUP: Florida State offensive line vs. Miami defensive line
FOR FSU: Everyone is back for the Seminoles, who return all five starters on the offensive line and all of their backups. Aside from sophomore T Antwane Greenlee, everyone who is returning is also entering the season healthy. The money guy here is LG Rodney Hudson, who is a viable All-American candidate and probably FSU’s best offensive player. The Seminoles’ offensive line has the potential to be the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
FOR MIAMI: The Hurricanes are returning two defensive ends in Steven Wesley and Marcus Robinson who combined to start 16 games last season but they are significantly more inexperienced on the interior of the line. Even so, defensive tackle Marcus Forston, a sophomore, has all-conference potential. And Allen Bailey, another tackle, led the team with five sacks as a sophomore last season. Bailey played defensive end last season. Miami enters this game without DE Adewale Ojomo, who is out with a jaw injury. DE Eric Moncur is doubtful with a "lower extremity" injury.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Florida State. The Hurricanes have plenty of talent along its defensive line, but FSU’s experience and depth up front could wear Miami down. No unit works harder than FSU’s offensive line.

THE MATCHUP: Florida State running backs vs. Miami front seven
FOR FSU: Sophomore Jermaine Thomas could become the team’s first running back since Warrick Dunn in 1996 to run for 1,000 yards. Behind him are a lot of backs with equal potential. Sophomore Ty Jones dazzled as a freshman when healthy, and Tavares Pressley, a former junior college standout, has a lot of promise. Freshmen backs Lonnie Pryor and Chris Thompson both shined at times in the preseason, though Thompson was hurt throughout the preseason.
FOR MIAMI: Run defense was a major issue for the Hurricanes last season and one of the main reasons was that Miami was reliant on young, inexperienced players. Florida State was one of many teams that dominated the Miami on the ground. The Seminoles ran for more than 300 yards against the Hurricanes. Expect Miami’s run defense to be better this season. The Hurricanes have experience on the outside and should be strong up the middle.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Florida State. Thomas is a naturally elusive runner and if his line gives him any space at all, he should be able to create. The Seminoles’ other backs aren’t too shabby either and Ponder had his way running a season ago, too.

THE MATCHUP: Florida State receivers vs. Miami secondary
FOR FSU: Seniors Rod Owens and Richard Goodman will start on the outside and both are attempting to put happy endings on somewhat unfulfilled careers at FSU. Sophomores Bert Reed and Taiwan Easterling could be the best playmakers of the bunch and keep an eye on Jarmon Fortson, a big, fast sophomore who is as physically gifted as any receiver in the ACC. The Seminoles might be planning to utilize the tight end more, and Caz Piurowski, who stands 6-foot-7, makes for a big target with good hands.
FOR MIAMI: The Hurricanes are fast ? what else is new ? but they lack proven playmakers in the secondary. Senior SS Randy Phillips must provide leadership and make his presence known. Sam Shields, who played receiver his first three years in the program, is now a backup cornerback. Three of the players who started for Miami in the secondary in its Emerald Bowl loss to California will start tonight. The Hurricanes’ pass defense was among the best in the nation last season.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Even. FSU’s receivers are stronger than anyone might have thought they’d be at this point, but Miami’s secondary was stout last season and should be again. The Hurricanes don’t have an all-star in the bunch, but they are cohesive and defensive coordinator John Lovett’s expertise is mixing things up in his secondary and keeping offenses off-balance.

THE MATCHUP: Jacory Harris vs. Florida State back seven
FOR MIAMI: Jacory Harris split time during 2008 with Robert Marve, who transferred from the program after the 2008 season. Harris was solid at times in ’08 but certainly not spectacular. He completed about 60 percent of his passes for 1,195 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also threw seven interceptions. Harris must be effective for the Hurricanes because, in addition to Marve, two other quarterbacks (Cannon Smith and Tyler Cook) transferred before the season.
FOR FSU: The Seminoles are breaking in two new starters ? Kendall Smith and Nigel Bradham ? at linebacker. And two new starters ? CB Ochuko Jenije and S Korey Mangum ? in the secondary. The ‘Noles back seven has struggled against the pass throughout the preseason, but senior S Jamie Robinson has been a bright spot, and intercepted at least eight passes in preseason practices. Fellow senior Patrick Robinson, a cornerback, has the potential to lock down one side of the field.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Even. It’s difficult to project how this matchup will go given the unknowns: How far has Harris progressed? How will Jenije and Mangum fit into their new starting roles? How will the FSU linebackers cover the pass ? especially the tight end?

THE MATCHUP: Miami offensive line vs. Florida State defensive line
FOR MIAMI: Though the Hurricanes are still plenty youthful, they do have a veteran offensive line. Senior LT Jason Fox has started 36 games the past three seasons. LG Orlando Franklin is a junior, C A.J. Trump a senior and RT Matt Pipho is a senior. Miami is also heavy up front. Every one of their top 10 offensive linemen weighs at least 300 pounds.
FOR FSU: With the loss of ends Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett, the Seminoles’ defensive line was already a question mark entering the season. It is even more so now. Junior Markus White has a lot of potential and must be a difference-maker at right end. On the other side of White is sophomore walk-on Craig Yarborough, who earned the starting job over senior Kevin McNeil, who had a disappointing preseason. In the middle, senior tackles Budd Thacker and Kendrick Stewart have been banged up, and fellow senior Justin Mincey suffered a knee injury that could keep him out a while.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Miami. The Hurricanes have enough size and experience up front to give the Seminoles fits.

THE MATCHUP: Miami running backs vs. Florida State front seven
FOR MIAMI: As is the case with the Seminoles, Miami expects its running backs to be a team strength. Javarris James, a senior, and Graig Cooper, a junior, comprise one of the more experienced backfield tandems in the ACC. James, who missed four games last season with a high ankle sprain, will start tonight but Cooper will receive plenty of work. He ran for 841 yards last season and averaged nearly 5 yards per carry.
FOR FSU: The Seminoles were solid against the run last season for the most part but teams with big, physical offensive lines ? like the kind at Georgia Tech, Boston College and Florida ? gave FSU all kinds of problems. And guess what? FSU is going against a big, physical offensive line. The Seminoles must receive a strong push up the middle and it’s highly questionable they’ll get that effort given the injury woes at defensive tackle.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Miami. Expect the Hurricanes to attempt to run it right up Florida State’s gut. And it could, work, too. Even with its full complement of players, the Seminoles would have their hands full with James and Cooper.

THE MATCHUP: Miami receivers vs. Florida State secondary
FOR MIAMI: The Hurricanes’ receivers might not be household names yet but some certainly have that potential. Here’s what you need to know: They’re tall and fast. And tall. LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson and Leonard Hankerson all stand at least 6-foot-3 and all will see the field a decent amount tonight. Travis Benjamin isn’t all that tall ? he’s just 5-foot-11 ? but what he lacks in height he makes up for in speed.
FOR FSU: The secondary is perhaps the Seminoles biggest weakness headed into the season. Replacing departed CB Tony Carter and S Myron Rolle proved more difficult than imagined. Seniors Jamie Robinson, a safety, and Patrick Robinson, a cornerback, are dependable and must provide leadership and playmaking. Freshman CB Greg Reid, who will start in the nickel package, could be seeing the field a lot more often as the season progresses.
WHO HAS THE EDGE: Miami. On paper, this might be the game’s biggest mismatch. If Harris has time to throw, his receivers have the potential to do FSU a lot of damage.

Miami at Florida State: Things you need to know
posted by Andrew Carter on Sep 7, 2009 8:00:00 AM
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It’s gameday. Get your education on:

MIAM AT FLORIDA STATE
Kickoff: 8 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
Broadcasts: TV ? ESPN; Radio ? 1080-AM (WHOO); 1190-AM (WAMT)
Weather: 20% rain chance, about 80
Tickets: A limit number still remain for purchase at $65. Tickets can be bought on www.seminoles.com or by calling 888-FSU-NOLE.
Parking: Stadium lots require a Seminole Boosters parking pass, but public lots close to the stadium are abundant and charge anywhere from $15-$25 depending on proximity to the stadium.

Quick Slant
No, neither Florida State nor Miami are ranked among the top 10 teams in the nation and no, this game doesn’t have the implications it once did. But don’t be fooled: The Seminoles-Hurricanes rivalry is still very much alive and the winner tonight will gain an edge in the race to become nationally relevant again.

About Miami (0-0, 0-0 ACC)
The Hurricanes are trying to build off of a last season’s mediocre 7-6 finish and if coach Randy Shannon doesn’t have success this season, his third, his job security will be question. Shannon during the off-season hired two new coordinators ? Mark Whipple to lead the offense and John Lovett to lead the defense. Whipple, has been an assistant coach in the NFL in four of the past five seasons, has a reputation for high-powered, explosive offenses. And he has plenty of weapons. Sophomore QB Jacory Harris, who split time last season with the departed Robert Marve, now has the offense to himself. And the Hurricanes have a bevy of talented and tall receivers who will test the Florida State secondary. Miami didn’t run the ball effectively last season in a 41-39 loss to FSU, but Javarris James and Graig Cooper will test the Seminoles’ defensive line, which is lacking depth. Defensively, Lovett isn’t likely to change Shannon’s aggressive approach. The Hurricanes’ defensive line must play well against Florida State’s experienced offensive line.

About FSU (0-0, 0-0 ACC)
Jimbo Fisher is entering his third season as the Seminoles’ offensive coordinator and the fruits of his labors should finally be starting to blossom. Florida State’s strengths begin with the offensive line, which returns all five starters from last season. The line open plenty of holes for RB Jermaine Thomas and the other backs behind him. QB Christian Ponder is a more confident and capable leader, his teammates and coaches say, and he has a lot of options at receiver ? led by seniors Richard Goodman and Rod Owens. Coach Bobby Bowden has said many times throughout the preseason that his offense is ahead of his defense ? a rarity in three-plus decades at FSU. Defensively, Florida State has plenty of questions. The Seminoles are starting a walk-on, Craig Yarborough, a left defensive end. The interior of the defensive line has been banged up. And both the linebacker corps and the secondary will feature two new starters.

What to watch
1. The Seminoles’ running game will be the key and if they get it going early, it could be a long night for the Hurricanes.
2. Miami’s young receiving corps ? led by sophomores LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson and Travis Benjamin ? are capable of causing plenty of issues for FSU’s secondary, which has been suspect throughout the preseason.
3. As always when these teams meet, the kicking game could loom large. The Hurricanes’ Matt Bosher is a Lou Groza Award candidate. The Seminoles will be relying on Dustin Hopkins, a freshman.

The Buzz
FSU and Miami might have both been a bit down in recent years but the games between them haven’t been any less exciting ? at least in terms of competitiveness. The past six games in the rivalry have been decided by a grand total of 24 points and one of those games ? Miami’s 2004 victory ? went into overtime.