A chance to get in the top 15, College Gameday in attendance, a rivalry game, a bitter taste in their mouth still from last year's heartbreaking loss... It's going to be awfully hard for FSU not to be looking ahead to Miami.
But they can't look past Virginia if they want to win. The Cavaliers have shown so far this season they aren't worthy of being picked last in the ACC, and they'll knock off FSU if the Seminoles are looking past them. So how do they win? Here are some keys to FSU winning, besides the biggest factor- not looking past the Cavs.
1. Defense, defense, defense. As always, if the Florida State defense can show up, I would pick FSU over anyone. The D did show up against BYU and Wake Forest, which is a good sign. But you always have to be worried that they'll show up like they did against Oklahoma, or like they did the whole 2009 season. The D is the key.
2. Come out running. I have been really impressed with FSU's run game so far this season. Chris Thompson, Ty Jones, Jermaine Thomas, and Lonnie Pryor could all start. Feed the backs the ball early, get a lead, then let CP7 do his thing.
3. Protect Ponder. Christian Ponder is already banged up, and it would be in Florida State's best interest to keep him from getting any more banged up. If the offensive line continues to give Ponder the outrageous amount of time he's been getting, The 'Noles will get an easy win.
Also, our friends over at Lambeth Field who cover Virginia for ACC Rivals wrote in their FSU Preview what Virginia needs to do to win. So FSU fans, look for UVA to do this:
How Virginia Wins
A lot of planning has to go into this. First, they must be effective in the running game and short crossing passing routes to gain first downs and make the game shorter. We won’t win a 38-35 game, but if the contest is in the 20s, we have a shot. Secondly, due to Ponders condition, we have got to get pressure off the edges. If Ponder is staring up from the ground most of the day, we could get a couple of “ducks” our way. Lastly, we don’t beat ourselves in penalties or special teams.
It could be a blowout for the Seminoles, or it could be a close game due to their lack of focus. We'll see on Saturday. Go 'Noles!
