Scouting reports
By Times staff writers
Published October 8, 2005
Wake Forest at No. 4 Florida State, noon
The Demon Deacons (2-3, 1-1) pulled off a surprise, last-minute win against Clemson last week, but then they were a surprise from the start of that game. Coach Jim Grobe dumped the dropback, short passing game with sophomore quarterback Benjamin Mauk, a scheme the team had worked on since spring, in favor of misdirection, play-action passing with the former starter, senior Cory Randolph. "We're back trying to mold our offense around our players," Grobe said. Randolph, who had been playing receiver, was 20-of-25 for 225 yards and three touchdowns, including the winning 6-yard strike to sophomore Kevin Marion, the former Dixie Hollins High star, with 33 seconds left. Randolph can run the option (he scored on a run against Clemson), which adds another dimension to a potent ground game led by senior Chris Barclay (115.2 yards) and sophomore Micah Andrews (97.8 yards), the ACC's top two backs. Grobe also started redshirt freshmen receivers Demir Boldin (former FSU star Anquan Boldin's little brother) and Kenneth Moore for the first time. They combined for six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. Last season, FSU (4-0, 2-0) eked out a 20-17 victory.
- BRIAN LANDMAN, Times staff writer
Mississippi State at No. 13 Florida, 12:30Under different circumstances, there might be an element of revenge involved. Mississippi State upset the Gators in Starkville, contributing to the firing of coach Ron Zook and sending the rest of the season into turmoil. But coming off last week's 31-3 loss to Alabama, Florida (4-1, 2-1) must focus on itself - and correcting its many problems. Florida coach Urban Meyer believes the game could be determined by one of the Gators' biggest weaknesses to date: offensive line. "I think the defensive line from Mississippi State is their strength," Meyer said. "We have to become much better blockers up front." The Gators, who have scored just one touchdown against two ranked opponents, hope changes to their offense will boost production. For Mississippi State (2-3, 0-3), it's the second straight game against a ranked opponent coming off a loss (after a 37-7 loss to LSU). Coach Sylvester Croom's biggest concern is mistakes in key situations. Also, star running back Jerious Norwood sprained his neck last week but is expected to play. Florida's defense was shredded by Alabama last week but faces an offense ranked last in the SEC. So if ever there was a chance to regain some confidence, this should be it.
- ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times staff writer
Duke at No. 9 Miami, 3:30The soft part of Miami's schedule continues with the Blue Devils (1-4, 0-2) a week after a 27-7 win over USF and week before Temple. Although coach Larry Coker won't say it, the Hurricanes (3-1, 1-1) can use this stretch to develop consistency. One of the biggest concerns is the red zone, where they rank 11th in the 12-team ACC in touchdowns. Miami has scored on 14 of 18 chances, but only seven have been touchdowns. Look for quarterback Kyle Wright to open things up as he looks for dependable receivers besides tight end Greg Olsen. Miami's secondary, which has been hampered by injuries, should be improved. Coker said cornerback Marcus Maxey will play and could start. Sophomore running back Andrew Johnson, coming off knee surgery, won't be redshirted and will see action. Coker is high on Johnson, who saw limited action as a freshman before tearing his ACL.
- MICHAEL SNYDER, Times correspondent
Memphis at UCF, 6If the Golden Knights (2-2) hope to win their third consecutive game and move to 2-0 in Conference USA, they must figure out a way to limit DeAngelo Williams. The senior has had three consecutive 200-plus-yard games and led the Tigers (2-2, 1-1) to wins in two. But UCF's run defense has had two of its strongest performances in school history, limiting South Carolina to 32 yards in a loss and 11 two weeks ago in a victory over Marshall. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights look for a second straight 100-yard performance from freshman tailback Kevin Smith, who helped lead UCF to a 24-21 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette last week.
B-CC at Delaware State, 1This often has been a high-scoring series. But B-CC (4-1, 2-1), which has 107 points in its past two games with newly anointed quarterback Jimmie Russell, seems to have momentum in its favor. Third place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, it has won five straight over the Hornets. Delaware State (2-3, 1-1) opened the season with a victory over Florida A&M but has lost three in a row, scoring a combined 21 points.
- SHARON GINN, Times staff writer