Miami Football 2011: 9 Reasons Why the Hurricanes Can Beat Florida State

Every year the most anticipated game for the Hurricanes is against Florida State.

Last year however, the Seminoles went into Miami and destroyed them 45-17, marking the most lopsided victory for either team since 1997 when Florida State won 47-0.

The overall series though is led by the Hurricanes, 31-24.

This year is the tail of two different teams.

The Hurricanes are still trying to prove themselves from mediocrity, while the Seminoles are returning back to glory, depicted by their presence in last years ACC championship game.

No matter what their ranking, here are nine reasons why the Hurricanes can beat Florida State.

Christian Ponder Is Gone

I understand that EJ Manuel has already started six games for the Seminoles, going 4-2 and winning a bowl game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, but losing a three-year starter is still a pretty big deal.

For the last two years Ponder's injuries have been a question mark and Manuel has came in and done a fantastic job so far.

The problem with Ponder leaving is that mean Manuel will be the full-time starter for the first time.

Since the game against Miami will not be until their 10th week, it's really hard to say if he will be physically ready for the revamped Hurricanes.

Ponder knew the Hurricanes like the back of his hand, while Manuel has never played a game in the series.

Miami's Rush Defense Will Be Much Improved

Last year, the embarrassing 45-17 loss to the Seminoles was lost by one stat and one stat only—rushing yards.

Florida State rushed for 298 yards and four touchdowns against the Hurricanes.

This year, with more experience and a different defensive scheme, Miami will be ready for the rush attack.

FSU graduated two starting offensive linemen, while Miami's defensive line might be better then it ever has been.

Last year the Hurricanes were ranked 84th in the country, giving up over 170 yards per game on the ground; but new defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio will change the scheme and make Miami a defensive powerhouse once again.

If Miami holds Florida State to under 150 rushing yards, they easily win the game.

Florida State Won't Be Able to Stop Miami's Rush Attack

The Seminoles' rush defense last year was 29th in the country, yielding only 128 yards per game, but against Miami they gave up 189 yards and two touchdowns.

This year the Hurricanes are going to have one of the best rushing teams in the ACC with the likes of Lamar Miller and Mike James.

Miller never played in the game last year and James just had four yards on four carries, but this is a different Hurricanes offense.

The starting offensive linemen for the Hurricanes may be the best in the country, as they bring back four of the starting five from last year.

Seantrel Henderson, Tyler Horn and Brandon Washington all have been listed on preseason award watch lists for the upcoming season.

Add a two-headed monster of Miller and James and you have a rushing attack that could blow the Seminoles out of the water.

If everyone is healthy and do as good as expected, I think Miami can put up 300 or more on the ground against the Seminoles, and if they do, Miami will leave Tallahassee with the win.

Miami Plays Well at Doak Campbell Stadium

The Hurricanes and Seminoles have played 55 games in their history including 21 in Tallahassee.

Home-field advantage really doesn't mean anything when these two meet, as it is proven by Miami's 14-7 record against the Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium.

In fact, since 2000, Miami is 5-1 against FSU in Tallahassee.

The Hurricanes  know what it's like to play on Bobby Bowden Field, so if history repeats itself, Miami should have no problems with winning on the road.

The Jacory Harris from 2009 Comes Back to Play

After a terrific sophomore campaign, Jacory Harris has been less then stellar, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns.

The only thing people talk about, including myself, is how poor of an arm Harris has and how bad his decision making is.

What a lot of people don't remember anymore is the game against the Seminoles on September 7th, 2009.

Harris, in his first game as the Hurricanes main quarterback (he shared time with Robert Marve the year before), threw for 386 yards and two touchdowns as Miami beat FSU, 38-34.

Although Harris threw two interceptions in the second half—one leading to a touchdown and one returned for a touchdown—he stayed focused and brought Miami back for the victory.

If Harris can bring some of that 2009 swagger back, he can lead the Hurricanes to another victory.

Miami's Special Teams Need to Come Up Big

Last year Matt Bosher was the key to a struggling offense, but unfortunately his time ran out as he graduated last year.

This year Miami will turn to a new punter/kicker in junior Jake Wieclaw.

Wieclaw has not kicked or punted at the college level yet, but Al Golden has already tagged him as the team's kicker and punter.

Not only is the kicking game a question mark, but so is the coverage team as Bosher was the main reason why Miami never gave up at least five kickoff returns for touchdowns last year.

This has already been an issue that has been addressed by the coaches and I believe the coverage team will be much improved.

On the return side of things, Golden has decided to stick to Travis Benjamin to do both punt and kick return duties.

In 2008, Benjamin burned the Seminoles for 185 on just six kick returns (31 yards per kick return).

If Miami wants to leave Tallahassee with a win, the kicking and return game better be special again.

The Hurricanes Defensive Leaders Won't Let Them Down

The Miami Hurricanes defensive players have been the most talked-about group of guys in almost every publication on the market.

Sean Spence, senior linebacker, will have the new role as the leader of the Hurricanes defense, taking over Colin McCarthy's spot.

Spence has been put on the Butkus, Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik and Lambardi award watch lists this preseason.

Marcus Forston (DT), Ray Ray Armstrong (SS) and Ramon Buchanan (LB) have also been named to numerous award watch lists.

I truly believe this will be one of the best overall defenses in the ACC, if not the country.

Even though the last few games against the two teams have been an offensive onslaught, I think Miami can shut down the entire FSU offense and win the game.

FSU's Pass Defense Isn't That Great

I know what many of you are thinking right now, "Miami doesn't have a great passing attack," which is true, but Miami has the athletes to be a good passing team.

Travis Benjamin and LaRon Byrd give Miami the chance to throw the ball around a little bit, as long as Jacory Harris or Stephen Morris can get them the ball.

Florida State returns a team that gave up 225 yards per game through the air—71st in the country.

If Miami has trouble running, they will need to throw the ball, and should be able to do so.

This Isn't Last Year's Hurricanes

Last year, the Hurricanes were a complete mess.

Between the horrible offense and bad coaches, the Hurricanes looked a lot like the Bad News Bears.

This year, head coach Al Golden has them on another level.  The attitude and overall coaching changes have already made this year's Hurricanes a mentally stronger team.

It is something that has been missing for some time now as the athletes have always been there for the Hurricanes.

Many expect Miami to rise near the top of the ACC this year, with the possibility of even winning the conference.

If they want any chance at all, they will need to get over the hump and beat the best in the ACC, which by most publications, is FSU.

There will be a lot on the line come November 12th and Miami has a shot to dethrone the best the ACC has to offer, as long as they play the way I think they can.