The acid test, perhaps for both teams that, for the first time, are conference rivals. The Seminoles usually have met Miami toward the middle of the year; the last time they opened with the 'Canes was in Miami on Sept. 3, 1988. The No. 1-ranked Seminoles lost 31-0.
SEPT. 18: ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM, 6:30 P.M.
If the motto for the Seminoles is, "It's Time," the Blazers' could be "It's Our Time." The Blazers have been snake-bit by injuries and bad luck. So, the motto for FSU's home opener, "It's on."
SEPT. 25: CLEMSON, TBA
Papa Bowden said the rumors surrounding Tommy before last year's showdown were hindering Clemson's recruiting. The Tigers' resounding win probably saved Tommy's job and earned an extension through 2010. Gee thanks, Dad.
OCT. 2: NORTH CAROLINA, TBA
John Bunting's first win at UNC came against visiting FSU, 41-9 on Sept. 22, 2001. Could his job-saving win come against FSU in Tallahassee three years later? Not likely.
OCT. 9: AT SYRACUSE, TBA
Is this the coaches-in-trouble tour? Paul Pasqualoni could use a big win and a big season to get off the hot seat. The last time FSU met Syracuse was in 1991, Pasqualoni's first year, and the Seminoles beat the then-undefeated Orangemen 46-14.
OCT. 16: VIRGINIA, TBA
The Cavaliers are viewed as the biggest threat - outside of Miami - to unseat FSU atop the league standings. They were the first ACC team to beat FSU (in 1995) and came close last year. This year, their defense should be better, and you know what they say wins championships.
OCT. 23: AT WAKE FOREST, TBA
The Demon Deacons have been one of the tougher ACC hurdles for the Seminoles. Still, FSU hasn't lost to these guys since 1973.
OCT. 30: AT MARYLAND, TBA
No ACC team has won more games the past three years than Maryland. No other league team has won an ACC title outright since FSU joined except Maryland. Just think if the Terrapins could ever beat FSU?
NOV. 6: DUKE, TBA
The Blue Devils, as usual, figure to offer a needed break after a tough one and before the tough ones to close the regular season. Heck. It's homecoming, for goodness' sake.
NOV. 11: AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE, 7:30 p.m.
The Seminoles had lost two straight to the Wolfpack and former longtime assistant, Chuck Amato, before snapping the skid last year. They needed double overtime to do it.
NOV. 20: FLORIDA, TBA
Steve Spurrier couldn't do it in six tries as the Gators coach. Ron Zook is 0 for 1. In fact, the Gators haven't won in Tallahassee since 1986.
DOAK CAMPBELL STADIUM
CAPACITY: 82,300.
TICKETS: All season tickets are sold out. Single tickets remain for home games except against Florida. Fans can purchase tickets via the Internet at seminoles.com or by calling (888) 378-6653. The cost is $38 each for Clemson and Virginia, $30 for UAB, North Carolina and Duke. Youth tickets (18 years and younger) are $8 for the UAB game, $15 for North Carolina and Duke and $19 for Virginia. Tickets for the game at Wake Forest, for $25, are also available.
PARKING: General parking on campus is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For lot locations, go to www.seminole-boosters.com and click on parking.
