Florida State-Miami showcases young, talented QBs Scouts, Inc.
Last season, Miami and Florida State were forced to rely on their defenses to protect their first-year quarterbacks. After stellar freshman campaigns, Kyle Wright and Drew Weatherford are ready to do battle.
Florida State Offense vs. Miami Defense
Establishing the run is Florida State's first objective on Monday night (ESPN Full Circle, 8 ET). After averaging only 94 yards rushing last season, the Seminoles are determined to regain offensive balance. The biggest issue was up front, where the offensive line was ravaged by injuries and was forced to rely on far too many inexperienced starters. However, following a healthy and productive camp, the Florida State offensive line promises to be far more effective. RB Lorenzo Booker, one of the nation's premier open-field runners, is primed for a breakout season in 2006. The fifth-year senior has added bulk to his frame during the offseason, which should allow him to break more tackles and handle a heavier load. The 'Noles will continue to use a rotation at the running back position but sophomore Antone Smith is only expected to carry 30 to 40 percent of the load. Smith displays outstanding speed, but he is still developing as a blocker and is even smaller than Booker at 5-foot-9, 188 pounds.
An emphasis for offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden during the offseason has been the involvement of Booker in the passing game. With that in mind, don't be surprised to see Smith line up at tailback and Booker working out of the slot. That will put pressure on the Hurricanes from a matchup standpoint. If defensive coordinator Randy Shannon elects to cover Booker with a linebacker, QB Drew Weatherford will have a mismatch to target via the air. Conversely, should Shannon go to nickel personnel versus this package, the 'Noles will have a size advantage to exploit with Smith on the ground.
Weatherford will have pressure in his face most of the afternoon; the Canes have a relentless defensive front that includes DEs Baraka Atkins and Bryan Pata, and DT Kareem Brown. However, if Florida State can establish some threat of the run early, then it should give Weatherford an opportunity to work the play-action pass. Miami boasts the nation's best safety tandem in Brandon Meriweather and Kenny Phillips. Understandably, Shannon wants to take some chances with one or both of his outstanding safeties cheating up closer to the line of scrimmage. The big question is whether or not Miami has the cornerback play in order to be that aggressive. Glenn Sharpe has proven to be a shutdown cover corner at times in the past, but he's coming off a knee injury. The other starter is Randy Phillips, a promising sophomore with good size and speed. Because of the unknown at cornerback, expect the 'Noles to spread things out with three-receiver sets and allow their stable of talented receivers (Chris Davis, De'Cody Fagg and Greg Carr) to test Miami's cornerbacks early and often. If successful, it will force Shannon to be more conservative with Meriweather and Phillips.
Finally, after studying film of last year's game, it's evident that Bowden calls plays conservatively with Weatherford in his first start at quarterback. After Weatherford attempted 469 passes last year, Bowden has no reason to be conservative. Miami has arguably the most talent returning defensively of any unit in the country. If Bowden is not more creative and aggressive with his play calling in this game, Shannon's unit will stifle the Seminoles' offense once again.
Miami Offense vs. Florida State Defense
The suspensions of RB Tyrone Moss and WR Ryan Moore are significant. Still, Miami has a chance to redeem itself versus a Florida State defense returning only one of its top seven tackles leaders from 2005.
Rich Olson returns for a second stint as Miami's offensive coordinator after holding the same post in the early 1990s. While he wants to continue the philosophy of offensive balance, Olson strives to be more aggressive with the vertical passing game. Olson has the quarterback in QB Kyle Wright to succeed, but questions still must be answered regarding the wide receiver corps. There were high hopes for Moore, but he was too inconsistent and vastly overrated. Moore's absence creates an opportunity for Lance Leggett, who flashed as a freshman, but fell off the map with just 15 catches in 2005. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound junior could be the deep threat Olson covets because Leggett provides massive size advantages over Florida State CBs J.R. Bryant (6-1, 181) and Tony Carter (5-9, 162). Wright's most consistent target is TE Greg Olsen, who had more receptions last year (31) than any other returning player. While Olsen is not much of a seam stretcher, his presence will help open up more opportunities for Leggett to work vertically on the perimeter. Darnell Jenkins is a diminutive flanker that does not offer much vertically, but runs sharp routes and has reliable hands as a possession receiver.
Wright flourishes when the run sets up the play-action. That's why it is so important for the Hurricanes to establish RB Charlie Jones on the ground early on. Jones is not a burner, and he may be even slower coming off a nagging hamstring injury in camp. However, Jones is a powerful back who can churn out yards between the tackles and can help wear down an athletic linebacker corps headlined by MLB Buster Davis and SLB Lawrence Timmons, an emerging star as a junior. If Jones is ineffective or unable to finish the game, Miami will rely on a couple of youngsters in freshman Javarris James (Edgerrin James' cousin) and sophomore Derron Thomas to pick up the slack.
Florida State is never short on speed and athleticism defensively, but inexperience is a concern for coordinator Mickey Andrews' unit heading into the opener. Replacing NT Brodrick Bunkley and DE Kamerion Wimbley, who combined for 36 tackles for loss last season, is the most challenging aspect. DT Andre Fluellen and RDE Darrell Burston are the returning starters and they should be joined by NT Paul Griffin, a juco All-American, and LDE Alex Boston, who started seven of the 13 games he played last year. The good news for Florida State is that Miami's offensive line has just as many questions to answer with four new starters along the offensive line. Fluellen has the potential to become a star this season and he should get off to a fast start versus LOG Andrew Bain, who is much bigger at 330 pounds but lacks the quickness to deal with Fluellen's explosive first step. The play of sophomore offensive tackles Reggie Youngblood (left) and Tyrone Byrd (right) will have an enormous impact on the game's outcome. If Wright has time to throw, he should do damage against a largely inexperienced and untested Florida State back seven. But there is good reason for doubt after watching the film of Wright getting sacked nine times in last year's meeting.
Andrews has always done a good job of rotating at least eight defensive linemen in and out of games, so a big issue for the Hurricanes' offensive linemen could be stamina in what promises to be a humid night in Miami.
Special Teams
In a rivalry historically decided by the kicking game, neither Bobby Bowden nor Larry Coker can feel great about his respective situation.
Florida State PK Gary Cismesia struggled last season, connecting on just 17 of 24 field goal attempts. However, he responded to the competition during the offseason and reportedly he has been far more consistent during camp. Miami PK Jon Peattie was a bit more consistent, hitting 15 of his 20 attempts in 2005. Peattie has one of the strongest legs in college football, but he also has a tendency to miss too many kicks from midrange. The Hurricanes have an overall advantage in this facet of the matchup. P Brian Monroe, who averaged 39.8 yards per attempt last season, should give Miami the edge in the battle for field position. The loss of return specialist Devin Hester is significant, but Jenkins is reliable and experienced both as a kick and punt return specialist. He won't provide the big-play element that the Hurricanes got from Hester, but Jenkins won't make many mistakes, either.
The Seminoles are breaking in a new punter in Graham Gano, who handled kickoffs during the second half of last season. Gano has a strong leg, but his accuracy is in question. Much like Miami, the 'Noles will miss the explosiveness that Willie Reid gave them in the return game last season. In Reid's absence, Smith is expected to handle the majority of kickoff returns, while WR Kenny O'Neal will take over as the full-time punt return specialist.
Three Key Individual Matchups
1. Florida State RB Lorenzo Booker vs. Miami WLB Jon Beason
2. Florida State QB Drew Weatherford vs. Miami FS Brandon Meriweather
3. Miami TE Greg Olsen vs. Florida State SLB Lawrence Timmons
Scouts' Edge
Weatherford and Wright have gone from liabilities to assets in a one-year span. After taking their lumps as first-year starters in 2005, they will give the nation a sneak peak on Monday night of what's to come from two of the nation's top quarterbacks. Weatherford has better weapons around him with Booker, Davis, Fagg and Carr, but his competition is much stiffer against a Miami defense loaded with speed and experience on every level. Wright is handcuffed by the suspensions of Moss and Moore, but his supporting cast is still adept enough to exploit weaknesses of an athletic but inexperienced Seminoles defense.
Playing on the road is a built-in advantage for a Canes program that has not lost a season opener at the Orange Bowl since 1985. Florida State should finish the 2006 season as the best team in the ACC, but Miami will be the better team on Monday night.
Prediction: Miami 24, Florida State 20
Last season, Miami and Florida State were forced to rely on their defenses to protect their first-year quarterbacks. After stellar freshman campaigns, Kyle Wright and Drew Weatherford are ready to do battle.
Florida State Offense vs. Miami Defense
Establishing the run is Florida State's first objective on Monday night (ESPN Full Circle, 8 ET). After averaging only 94 yards rushing last season, the Seminoles are determined to regain offensive balance. The biggest issue was up front, where the offensive line was ravaged by injuries and was forced to rely on far too many inexperienced starters. However, following a healthy and productive camp, the Florida State offensive line promises to be far more effective. RB Lorenzo Booker, one of the nation's premier open-field runners, is primed for a breakout season in 2006. The fifth-year senior has added bulk to his frame during the offseason, which should allow him to break more tackles and handle a heavier load. The 'Noles will continue to use a rotation at the running back position but sophomore Antone Smith is only expected to carry 30 to 40 percent of the load. Smith displays outstanding speed, but he is still developing as a blocker and is even smaller than Booker at 5-foot-9, 188 pounds.
An emphasis for offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden during the offseason has been the involvement of Booker in the passing game. With that in mind, don't be surprised to see Smith line up at tailback and Booker working out of the slot. That will put pressure on the Hurricanes from a matchup standpoint. If defensive coordinator Randy Shannon elects to cover Booker with a linebacker, QB Drew Weatherford will have a mismatch to target via the air. Conversely, should Shannon go to nickel personnel versus this package, the 'Noles will have a size advantage to exploit with Smith on the ground.
Weatherford will have pressure in his face most of the afternoon; the Canes have a relentless defensive front that includes DEs Baraka Atkins and Bryan Pata, and DT Kareem Brown. However, if Florida State can establish some threat of the run early, then it should give Weatherford an opportunity to work the play-action pass. Miami boasts the nation's best safety tandem in Brandon Meriweather and Kenny Phillips. Understandably, Shannon wants to take some chances with one or both of his outstanding safeties cheating up closer to the line of scrimmage. The big question is whether or not Miami has the cornerback play in order to be that aggressive. Glenn Sharpe has proven to be a shutdown cover corner at times in the past, but he's coming off a knee injury. The other starter is Randy Phillips, a promising sophomore with good size and speed. Because of the unknown at cornerback, expect the 'Noles to spread things out with three-receiver sets and allow their stable of talented receivers (Chris Davis, De'Cody Fagg and Greg Carr) to test Miami's cornerbacks early and often. If successful, it will force Shannon to be more conservative with Meriweather and Phillips.
Finally, after studying film of last year's game, it's evident that Bowden calls plays conservatively with Weatherford in his first start at quarterback. After Weatherford attempted 469 passes last year, Bowden has no reason to be conservative. Miami has arguably the most talent returning defensively of any unit in the country. If Bowden is not more creative and aggressive with his play calling in this game, Shannon's unit will stifle the Seminoles' offense once again.
Miami Offense vs. Florida State Defense
The suspensions of RB Tyrone Moss and WR Ryan Moore are significant. Still, Miami has a chance to redeem itself versus a Florida State defense returning only one of its top seven tackles leaders from 2005.
Rich Olson returns for a second stint as Miami's offensive coordinator after holding the same post in the early 1990s. While he wants to continue the philosophy of offensive balance, Olson strives to be more aggressive with the vertical passing game. Olson has the quarterback in QB Kyle Wright to succeed, but questions still must be answered regarding the wide receiver corps. There were high hopes for Moore, but he was too inconsistent and vastly overrated. Moore's absence creates an opportunity for Lance Leggett, who flashed as a freshman, but fell off the map with just 15 catches in 2005. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound junior could be the deep threat Olson covets because Leggett provides massive size advantages over Florida State CBs J.R. Bryant (6-1, 181) and Tony Carter (5-9, 162). Wright's most consistent target is TE Greg Olsen, who had more receptions last year (31) than any other returning player. While Olsen is not much of a seam stretcher, his presence will help open up more opportunities for Leggett to work vertically on the perimeter. Darnell Jenkins is a diminutive flanker that does not offer much vertically, but runs sharp routes and has reliable hands as a possession receiver.
Wright flourishes when the run sets up the play-action. That's why it is so important for the Hurricanes to establish RB Charlie Jones on the ground early on. Jones is not a burner, and he may be even slower coming off a nagging hamstring injury in camp. However, Jones is a powerful back who can churn out yards between the tackles and can help wear down an athletic linebacker corps headlined by MLB Buster Davis and SLB Lawrence Timmons, an emerging star as a junior. If Jones is ineffective or unable to finish the game, Miami will rely on a couple of youngsters in freshman Javarris James (Edgerrin James' cousin) and sophomore Derron Thomas to pick up the slack.
Florida State is never short on speed and athleticism defensively, but inexperience is a concern for coordinator Mickey Andrews' unit heading into the opener. Replacing NT Brodrick Bunkley and DE Kamerion Wimbley, who combined for 36 tackles for loss last season, is the most challenging aspect. DT Andre Fluellen and RDE Darrell Burston are the returning starters and they should be joined by NT Paul Griffin, a juco All-American, and LDE Alex Boston, who started seven of the 13 games he played last year. The good news for Florida State is that Miami's offensive line has just as many questions to answer with four new starters along the offensive line. Fluellen has the potential to become a star this season and he should get off to a fast start versus LOG Andrew Bain, who is much bigger at 330 pounds but lacks the quickness to deal with Fluellen's explosive first step. The play of sophomore offensive tackles Reggie Youngblood (left) and Tyrone Byrd (right) will have an enormous impact on the game's outcome. If Wright has time to throw, he should do damage against a largely inexperienced and untested Florida State back seven. But there is good reason for doubt after watching the film of Wright getting sacked nine times in last year's meeting.
Andrews has always done a good job of rotating at least eight defensive linemen in and out of games, so a big issue for the Hurricanes' offensive linemen could be stamina in what promises to be a humid night in Miami.
Special Teams
In a rivalry historically decided by the kicking game, neither Bobby Bowden nor Larry Coker can feel great about his respective situation.
Florida State PK Gary Cismesia struggled last season, connecting on just 17 of 24 field goal attempts. However, he responded to the competition during the offseason and reportedly he has been far more consistent during camp. Miami PK Jon Peattie was a bit more consistent, hitting 15 of his 20 attempts in 2005. Peattie has one of the strongest legs in college football, but he also has a tendency to miss too many kicks from midrange. The Hurricanes have an overall advantage in this facet of the matchup. P Brian Monroe, who averaged 39.8 yards per attempt last season, should give Miami the edge in the battle for field position. The loss of return specialist Devin Hester is significant, but Jenkins is reliable and experienced both as a kick and punt return specialist. He won't provide the big-play element that the Hurricanes got from Hester, but Jenkins won't make many mistakes, either.
The Seminoles are breaking in a new punter in Graham Gano, who handled kickoffs during the second half of last season. Gano has a strong leg, but his accuracy is in question. Much like Miami, the 'Noles will miss the explosiveness that Willie Reid gave them in the return game last season. In Reid's absence, Smith is expected to handle the majority of kickoff returns, while WR Kenny O'Neal will take over as the full-time punt return specialist.
Three Key Individual Matchups
1. Florida State RB Lorenzo Booker vs. Miami WLB Jon Beason
2. Florida State QB Drew Weatherford vs. Miami FS Brandon Meriweather
3. Miami TE Greg Olsen vs. Florida State SLB Lawrence Timmons
Scouts' Edge
Weatherford and Wright have gone from liabilities to assets in a one-year span. After taking their lumps as first-year starters in 2005, they will give the nation a sneak peak on Monday night of what's to come from two of the nation's top quarterbacks. Weatherford has better weapons around him with Booker, Davis, Fagg and Carr, but his competition is much stiffer against a Miami defense loaded with speed and experience on every level. Wright is handcuffed by the suspensions of Moss and Moore, but his supporting cast is still adept enough to exploit weaknesses of an athletic but inexperienced Seminoles defense.
Playing on the road is a built-in advantage for a Canes program that has not lost a season opener at the Orange Bowl since 1985. Florida State should finish the 2006 season as the best team in the ACC, but Miami will be the better team on Monday night.
Prediction: Miami 24, Florida State 20
