History of the Rivalry
It is one of the biggest and most important rivaries in all of sports. It has produced seven national championships in the last 30 years, while helping to decide countless others. This is the interstate college football showdown between the Noles and the Canes. The Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes will conclude the Labor Day Weekend menu of games with a evening clash in Tallahassee.
In the 1980s and 1990s, there was no game in any sport with bigger title implications than this battle of Florida powerhouses. But some of the luster of this rivalry has been lost over the last several years as far as the national picture is concerned. Neither team has had serious title runs in a few years, and despite top recruiting classes have not regained their dominance on the field. With that said, this game means more than ever to these programs and their fans.
Team Similarities
In addition, the ACC Conference is in dire need of the Noles and Canes to return to national prominence and garner some respect for a waning conference. The Noles have gotten the best of the Canes three out of the last four years, after falling hard in the previous six. Both teams are young and very talented. When looking at the FSU and Miami squads, they are eerily similar. Both have aggressive, nasty defenses year after year, and both have struggled to find the right fit at quarterback to propel them back on the national scene.
Quarterback Play is Crucial
For the Canes, they may have something with Jacory Harris, who took the reigns permanently from Robert Marve late last year. He is a poised playmaker who knows how to win. He also played highschool ball with several of his offensive weapons which has appeared to help the offense gel. For the Noles, Junior Quarterback Christian Ponder returns after a sub-par 2008 as a first year starter. Ponder's biggest weapon a year ago was his legs, particularly in last season's victory over the Canes, when Ponder rushed for over 150 yards. His biggest challenge this season will be getting a firm grasp on Jimbo Fisher's complicated offensive scheme as well as becoming a more vocal leader.
FSU & UM Need Positive Start
Being the first game of the year, rather than a midseason clash ,makes this game even more crucial. It can become the launching pad to a winning season, or the sinking paddle boat to the bottom of the conference. It des not get any easier for either team. FSU has non-conference games at BYU and Florida, while hosting the South Florida Bulls. Miami hosts Oklahoma, and play at Virginia Tech, as well as North Carolina.
Motivating Factors
FSU Legendary Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews has stated this will likely be his last season. With Andrews on his way out, and Bowden close behind, the Noles should be hungry to make sure they exit on a positive note. For Miami Randy Shannon is entering his 4th season at the helm and despite great recruiting classes, is yet to produce a winning team. He needs a win in the worst way and an overall improved season or he could be on his way out the door.
