Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

Five days. Five days are all that remain between now and the beginning of FSU’s 2006 quest to return to greatness. Five days until the Seminoles can erase a season that resembled a roller coaster, instead of an ascent to the top. Five days until FSU can start to prove many critics are wrong when they say that FSU is no longer among the elite. Five days until Seminole fans everywhere find out if the offensive line can block, if the mysterious running game can materialize and if there is a kicker on the team that can make it when it counts.

Miami, a program that also has had a fruitful past 20+ years, has also fallen on relatively hard times. Larry Coker is on the hot seat and needs to prove that he can win with some of his own recruits from the past few years, and not just win national titles with Butch Davis’s. Can “Da U” finally win an ACC title after expecting a cake-walk when they joined the conference?

In five days the ‘Noles and ‘Canes meet yet again for another epic battle. This season, it might be the first of two meetings. Many experts pick the teams to meet again in the ACC Championship Game. Both teams are ranked somewhere between 10-15 depending on who you ask. Kirk Herbstreit even went as far as to pick the ‘Canes as a participant in the national title game. Then again Kirk also picked Chris Rix to win the Heisman Trophy.

Between now and Labor Day, there will be tons of pregame shows, each with a slightly different angle on the talent, coaching, fans, etc. of the game. Many will pick the ‘Noles, and just as many will pick the ‘Canes. I’m picking the ‘Noles, and here’s why:

1. Drew Weatherford – If he can stay off of his butt, he will run the offense well. He has the best head on his shoulders of any FSU quarterback since Chris Weinke, and is a true student of the game. He knows 99% of what Miami will throw at him Monday Night.

2. Team Attitude – The ‘Canes have to overcome a couple of letdowns that happened during two-a-days and prior. Coach Larry Coker is on the hot-seat, and ‘Cane fans are restless as usual. The ‘Noles, on the other hand, have had a fairly stable summer and are completely focused for the first time in 5 years.

3. Streaks – The series generally runs in streaks, and for it to be a streak, FSU has to win more than just 1. This should be #2 in a 3-4 game win streak for FSU.

Of course all of this could be completely wrong. The game will likely be a defensive battle. It will be sloppy for at least the first half. Special teams could be huge yet again. If anyone picks this score to be within 3, then it should go to the ‘Canes. Never bet on an FSU kicker unless his name is Janikowski.

Thankfully I’m picking the ‘Noles by more than 3: ‘Noles 20, ‘Canes 16