Boulware, a senior linebacker and team captain, has long been counted on to make plays for the defense. Against Miami, he has.
As a true freshman in 2000, he recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. In 2001, he recovered a fumble and returned it 73 yards for a touchdown. Last year, he had an interception that stopped a Miami drive.
"You always would like to get big plays, but the key is to try to do your job and let the big plays come to you," he said. "You can't force plays. If you do, you end up messing up and giving up a big play."
Boulware, who has trimmed down a bit and thinks he's running faster, should have the chance at momentum-changing plays: He frequently will draw Miami standout tight end Kellen Winslow Jr.
"It's an opportunity and I'm looking forward to that," said Boulware, not biting at Winslow's remarks that no one can defend him one-on-one. "But he's a great player so it's not going to be easy."
For the record: His interception last year came on a Ken Dorsey pass intended for Winslow.
MIAMI: Jon Peattie
Peattie, the former Countryside High star soccer player and kicker/punter, is well aware of history. Four times the annual Miami-FSU showdown has come down to a field goal. Four times the FSU kicker has missed (1991, 1992, 2000 and 2002).
"It does kind of weigh on me a little bit, but, of course, I'd love to be in that situation," he said of lining up for the game-winning field goal in the waning seconds. "It'd be awesome."
And old hat.
Peattie, he of eye-catching appearance (spiked blondish hair and goatee) and eye-popping presence for a kicker (he's 6-3, 200 pounds), hit a school-record five field goals against West Virginia on Oct. 2, including the game-winner with 11 seconds left. Overall, he's hit 10 of 11 attempts, missing his first of the season from 42 yards.
"It was a big confidence booster," he said of his game winner. "That type of kick, even though it was short (23 yards), gives you confidence."
While he knows every kick counts, he also recognizes some are remembered longer. History tells him that.
