Colleges

Florida State-Miami keys

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 20, 2007

3 key matchups

FSU TBs vs. UM run defense

Antone Smith hasn't been the big-play back the Seminoles expected and needed. He's amassed just 322 yards on 96 attempts (an average of 3.4 yards) and has been stopped for either no gain or a loss on nearly 30 percent of his runs. Not good. While coach Bobby Bowden has said it's not all Smith's fault, you might expect backup Jamaal Edwards to see more time. Said Bowden: "Is Florida State going to make it this year or not? Okay. The running game has got to get consistent." The Hurricanes are coming off a 17-14 loss to Georgia Tech in which they allowed 264 yards rushing, including a career-high 204 by Tashard Choice.

FSU OT Daron Rose vs. UM DE Calais Campbell

Although the Hurricanes defensive line has been hit hard by injuries, Campbell remains an imposing presence, literally so at 6-8, 280 pounds with speed and power. He's got 4.0 sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss (not to mention he's forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles and has an interception). Rose, a 6-5, 286-pound sophomore standout from Jefferson, figures to draw the assignment on him much of the game. Rose has had some experience going against a mammoth lineman; former Jesuit star A.J. Smith (now a junior at Georgia Tech is 6-7).

FSU PK Gary Cismesia vs. UM PK Francesco Zampogna

Would it be an FSU-UM game without mentioning the kickers? Cismesia has hit 8 of 11 this year with a long of 40. But unlike past FSU kickers who have struggled against the 'Canes, he provided the winning margins in the past two meetings, including a 33-yarder with 8:02 left in last year's game. His counterpart, Zampogna, a sixth-year senior who hadn't attempted a field goal before this season, is 9 of 14 with a long of 47. Since 1983, nine games have been by three points or fewer and UM has won seven of them.

[Last modified October 19, 2007, 17:52:41]