Will this be the year that Miami finally beats FSU?

by Gary Shelton on October 5, 2017 · 1 comment

in College Sports in Florida, Florida State University, general, NFL, Tampa Bay Bucs, University of Florida

Thursday, 2 a.m.

How much does it matter who a team has played?

Answer that, and perhaps you can guess who will win Saturday's game between Miami and FSU.

Miami, for intance, is 3-0. But it's 3-0 while playing Bethune-Cookman, Toledo and Duke. It would be a huge story if the Hurricanes had lost to any of them.

FSU, on the other hand, is 1-2, losing to Alabama and N.C. State and barely

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beating Wake Forest. Still, this is a team whose talent had many picking the Seminoles for the college football playoffs not long ago.

So which team is off to a better start. Well, unbeaten is unbeaten, but the Hurricanes haven't faced anyone as talented as the Seminoles. Of course, FSU is down to its second quarterback – freshman James Blackman – and it's been waiting seven years to be on even terms (and maybe better) than FSU.

Mark Richt, who spent years as the FSU offensive coordinator, has gotten high marks for the job he's done as coach as the 'Canes. This, however, would be a keeper of a victory. Much of that depends on how quarterback Malik Rosier plays, and how vigorously the FSU defense slows him.

So far, Rosier is hitting 65.6 percent of his passes. Against an under-producing defense, that could cause some creases.

FSU is the more talented team; Miami is the more efficient team.

Prediction: Miami 24, FSU 21.

LSU at Florida

Troy? The LSU Tigers lost to Troy?

Really?

LSU, expected again to be one of the top teams in the SEC South, stubbed its toe against the Trojans in a game – get this – that the Tigers paid their opponent $985,000 to play.

Of course, Florida can't afford to laugh too hard. They've had to struggle to beat Kentucky and Vanderbilt. (And, frankly, Tennessee). That leaves the Gators with a nice record … by the skin of their teeth.

Still, the Gators are a better team at home. And, after all, LSU lost to Troy.

Did anyone mention that?

Prediction: Florida 20, LSU 19

The Pros

New England at Tampa Bay

(Thursday)

Go back to the off-season, and no one would compare the Bucs' roster to that of the Patriots. Really, that's the reason the Patriots are favored over the Bucs despite their defensive woes.

Then there is this: The Patriots greatest strength (the quick passing game) matches up directly against the Bucs' biggest weakness (the pass rush). Tom Brady should have a big night without any more pressure than the Bucs usually bring.

The Bucs' best shot? They have to have a good night offensively. They have to start fast. And they have to get a couple of turnovers on the way.

It's a lot to have to go right.

Prediction: New England 27, Tampa Bay 17.

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