People all over Florida are recovering from a dizzy weekend. This year's installment of the FSU—Miami rivalry lived up to the hype, and it did not disappoint.
The game had it all: big plays, jarring hits, crazy special teams plays and an exciting fourth quarter.
FSU jumped out to a 24-3 halftime lead, but the second half leaned heavily toward Miami, who scored 36 points in the final thirty minutes, due in large part to FSU's many miscues.
But for the first time in the series, the Seminoles self-destructed (again) and still won the daggum game.
A quick breakdown of the two teams reveals a few obvious—and startling—observations.
FSU has play makers. Miami doesn't.
The Canes sole game breaker on offense was Glades Central grad Travis Benjamin. Whether it be a kick return, reception or a reverse, everytime this kid touched the ball something special happened. Miami also has running back Graig Cooper, but other than a 51 yard touchdown pass in the second half, he was quiet most of the evening.
On defense, Miami turned to Northwestern High School linebacker Sean Spence, a freshman, and Carol City D-lineman Eric Moncur. Moncur was injured during the game, though, and all indications in the media are that he will apply for a medical red shirt, which means his season is over.
The Noles have big plays waiting to happen all over the offense, most notably at receiver. Everyone was waiting for Preston Parker and Greg Carr to make a big play Saturday, but Bert Reed, Correy Surrency, Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Fortson all played a major role in the game plan. It seemed all of them took turns picking on Miami corner-back Brandon Harris.
Jermaine Thomas spelled Antone Smith (who rushed for four touchdowns), and managed 50 yards on just two carries. Broadcasters on WQAM, the South Florida Canes radio network, openly rooted for Thomas to stay on the sideline, because he was unstoppable.
The Seminoles defense played fantastic for four quarters, despite being called on to the field in some less-than-desirable scenarios; Many of which lead to Miami points. Tony Carter made two acrobatic interceptions, and the line hassled the Miami quarterbacks all night, tallying two sacks.
It was FSU's mistakes, though, that would keep the scorekeeper busy on the Miami side. It was an avalanche that nearly cost them the game, like so many other classic Noles—
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