Staff Keys to the Game: Miami at FSU

For the second straight season, Florida State (1-2, 1-1 ACC) enters the annual contest against Miami (3-0, 1-0 ACC) with many questions still surrounding the team. The Seminoles again played down to their opponent’s level against Wake Forest and now face a Miami team that has its sights set on ending FSU’s 7-game winning streak in the rivalry.

We asked our staff what the Noles must do to avoid their first loss to Miami since 2009:

Clint Eiland, Lead Writer:

Block

The second level of the Miami defense is not nearly as strong as it was last year. The offensive line just needs to make sure that the running backs are able to reach that second level and avoid being stopped at the line for no gain. They also need to give a true freshman quarterback all the help he needs for his first ever rivalry game.

Put pressure on Miami’s offense

The Miami offense has not had to carry the team much (if at all) this year. On the rare occasions that it did, it was against sub-par defenses. Florida State could put the Hurricanes into a whirl if the Seminoles come out and take an early lead. Can Malik Rosier lead a comeback? Will Mark Walton live up to the hype? These questions have indefinitive answers, and Florida State likes their chances with them.

Exploit Miami’s cornerbacks

The secondary is talented, but young for the Hurricanes. They run a scheme that requires a lot of man press, which is vulnerable to explosive plays if the receiver knows what they can exploit. Enter players like FSU’s Auden Tate and George Campbell. While the former has had a much more impressive year, don’t rule out other impact players at the position. This could be the game they flex their talent.

Mike Ferguson, Editor:

Finish in the red zone

After scoring just one touchdown in six trips to the red zone against North Carolina State in the home opener, the Seminoles didn’t fare much better at Wake Forest last week. Although FSU recorded the victory, it managed just one touchdown in four red zone trips. Against a more talented team in Miami, FSU must maximize scoring opportunities.

Be stout up front

Since the opener against Alabama, Florida State has slowly taken steps back when it comes to getting defenders blocked up front. After struggling to contain Bradley Chubb of N.C. State in the home opener, FSU allowed 17 tackles for loss against Wake Forest last week — a school-record for the Demon Deacons. There is hope that left tackle Derrick Kelly returns to the lineup after leaving early last week. If the Seminoles can provide pass protection for quarterback James Blackman, FSU should get some favorable match-ups down the field. Miami has 11 sacks in three games this season.

Take shots down the field

If there is a spot where Miami is vulnerable on the defensive side of the football, it’s in the secondary. Over James Blackman’s first two starts, FSU has played things pretty conservatively to start with, using many screens and short throws. The Hurricanes have a defensive backfield that can be stretched vertically and FSU must try to do that, not only to get chunks of yardage, but to keep safeties like Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine from creeping up to stop the run.

Josh Mixon, Staff Writer:

Attack the middle of the field

One thing FSU has not done since Deondre Francois was sidelined is test the middle of the field when throwing the ball. Against Wake, Blackman relied far too much on short, outside throws and screens, which really eased the pressure on the Demon Deacon defense. Against a defense as stout as Miami’s, Blackman must utilize the middle of the field — short outside throws and screens won’t do the job this week.

Finish off drives

The Seminole offense was abhorrent against Wake, allowing 17 tackles for loss and continuously failing to move the ball when given a short field. Florida State has managed just three touchdowns in the red zone all season, and if the Noles fail to cash in on short fields against Miami, the Canes will run away with this one.

Put pressure on the quarterback

FSU did not manage a sack against N.C. State and forced just two against Wake Forest. Hurricanes’ quarterback Malik Rosier has looked good, but Saturday will be his first taste of a hostile environment, should the Seminole faithful show up. Rosier has yet to face a defense the same caliber as FSU’s, so pressuring the first-year starter into mistakes is a must.