Key Storylines For Miami-Florida State Game
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – Here are some of the main storylines heading into Saturday's matchup between Miami and Florida State.
No. 2 Florida State (9-0, 6-0 ACC, No. 3 CFP) at Miami (6-3, 3-2), 8 p.m. EDT (ABC)
Line: Florida State by 2.
Series Record: Miami leads 31-27.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Florida State has a 25-game winning streak, is looking to improve its shot at securing one of the four places in the inaugural College Football Playoff and is aiming to beat Miami for the fifth straight season. The Hurricanes know a win would greatly enhance their chances of winning the ACC's Coastal Division and getting to the league title game for the first time, plus would avoid their first five-game losing streak to the Seminoles since 1995-99.
KEY MATCHUP
Miami QB Brad Kaaya vs. Florida State's front seven. The Seminoles have made it known that they are going to try and test Miami's freshman quarterback early, perhaps in the same way Louisville did in the season-opener. Kaaya has been outstanding when he gets into a rhythm this season; Florida State know if he struggles, Miami's chances of a win would plummet.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FLORIDA STATE: QB Jameis Winston and TE Nick O'Leary. Winston loves the bright lights and the biggest moments, and will be facing a Miami defense that is much improved — especially when it comes to not giving up big plays. O'Leary could be the great equalizer.
MIAMI: RB Duke Johnson and DE Anthony Chickillo. Johnson broke his ankle against Florida State last season, and Chickillo — a third-generation Hurricane who will end his career among Miami's all-time defensive leaders in games played — has yet to be part of a win over the Seminoles.
FACTS & FIGURES
Johnson has 1,213 rushing yards, which is 44 more than the entire Florida State roster combined. He's also 61 yards shy of 5,000 all-purpose yards in his Miami career. ... Florida State has won 42 of its last 45 games, and has had the lead at some point in 61 of its last 62 contests. ... There have been seven Miami-Florida State games decided by a single point. The Hurricanes are 7-0 in those games. ... Florida State has won four straight road games in the series and is 9-1 against in-state competition under coach Jimbo Fisher. ... The first home sellout of Miami's season is expected.
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