The 3 Biggest X-Factors for Florida State vs. Miami

The 59th meeting between the rival No. 3 Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes will be decided by more than their respective superstars.

Jameis Winston, Rashad Greene, Duke Johnson, Denzel Perryman and a handful of other athletes have earned the national attention, but a few X-factors will help provide the winning difference for their respective program.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 15, and will be broadcast on ABC. Be sure to watch for the following three competitors, because they're each primed to be involved in the game-deciding play.

Brad Kaaya, Miami, Quarterback

Following a slow start, Brad Kaaya has only thrown two interceptions over his last five outings compared to 10 touchdowns. Additionally, the freshman has completed 61.2 percent of his attempts, throwing fewer passes into tight coverage and limiting poor decisions.

Yet the Hurricanes' success is still predicated on their running game, which they'll certainly look to establish Saturday. Of course, an offensive focus built around Duke Johnson is like saving 15 percent in 15 minutes: Everybody knows that.

Consequently, Florida State should be ready for the ground attack, so Kaaya must be prepared to pick apart the Seminoles secondary. With P.J. Williams, Jalen Ramsey and Ronald Darby roaming the passing lanes, however, it's easier said than done.

Throughout the rivalry, freshman Miami quarterbacks have struggled against FSU, as noted by Matt Porter of The Palm Beach Post.

Player	Year	Result	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	INT
Gino Torretta	1989	L 24-10	23	48	337	0	4
Kyle Wright	2005	L 10-7	16	28	232	1	2
Robert Marve	2008	L 41-39	17	40	122	0	2

Nevertheless, whether it's a play-action or dropback pass, Kaaya will hold an important responsibility all night: protect the football. If he can do that, it means Johnson will receive more carries.

As long as the gunslinger efficiently advances the offense downfield, Miami will have additional opportunities for its star running back. Put simply, that is paramount to springing an upset on the 'Noles.

Mario Edwards Jr., FSU, Defensive End/Tackle

Mike Groll/Associated Press

It's obvious, but it's true: The easiest way to disrupt Kaaya is to pressure him consistently. Mario Edwards Jr. knows that, and he's quite good at accomplishing it, too.

"Bother him, bother him early," Edwards said, per Dustin Tackett of the Orlando Sentinel. "Hit him, hit him often. That's definitely one of the things that we want to do."

Not only has the junior tallied a team-high 10 tackles for loss and three sacks, he's coming off the best performance of his career. Edwards registered nine stops, four for loss, and one sack against Virginia last weekend.

According to Brendan Sonnone of the Sentinel, FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher is excited to watch his versatile lineman progress.

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You know, Mario is in shape. With his conditioning, Mario has a lot of ability to do those things. He's a D-tackle, he's a D-end, he can stand up and blitz as a backer. I mean, he can bring a lot of versatility to the game. That's why I'm really anxious for him to grow as a player. He can cause some havoc.

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Alongside Eddie Goldman—who has developed into a beast at tackle—Edwards Jr. will be looking to improve on the two tackles for loss and one sack he managed during the 2013 meeting.

Considering that he contributes at three positions, the 6'3", 294-pounder should be presented with varying opportunities to contain the Miami offense. Capitalizing on those moments may ultimately be the difference between a tackle for loss or a 40-yard gain for the 'Canes.

Stacy Coley, Miami, Kick Returner

Nine games into the 2014 campaign, Miami can't possibly be holding a realistic hope for an explosion by talented wideout Stacy Coley. If that breakout performance comes, great, but the Hurricanes cannot depend on him to surprise everyone with his best offensive showing of the season.

But wide receiver isn't his only responsibility: Coley is the team's No. 1 returner.

So far, just 54.5 percent of Roberto Aguayo's kickoffs have resulted in a touchback, which means Coley should have at least three or four opportunities for a return.

Prior to the blowout of North Carolina, per Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald, the sophomore said he's trying to make every touch count.

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"Whenever I get another opportunity or just get the ball in my hands I have to try and make something happen," Coley said.

Is it frustrating? "No. Not at all," he said. "I'm just happy the team is winning. I'm a team guy. It's not about me. It's about the team. Whatever I can do to help the team I just do it."

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Now, Florida State's coverage unit has only surrendered 18.2 yards per return, so Coley—who has tallied 24.7—and his blockers will undertake a formidable task.

However, if the speedster breaks a couple big-gainers, flips field position and silences the Seminoles fanbase that is sure to travel well, he'll have boosted Miami's special teams. Every advantage the Hurricanes earn, no matter how small, will help Al Golden's team stay competitive for 60 minutes.

Then again, if the 'Noles don't allow Coley free space on returns, it's another critical in-game win for the reigning national champions and another step closer to their fifth consecutive victory over Miami.

Note: Stats courtesy of CFBstats.com and B/R research.

Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.