 |
| Brad Kaaya(Photo Credit: Zimbio) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
The Florida State Seminoles are ranked #3 in the CFB Playoff poll, and are riding a 25 game winning streak. They have a Heisman Trophy winner under center, and a bevy of future NFL players on the depth chart. However, FSU isn't invincible, the 'Canes can beat their longtime rival.
Keys To Victory
1. Brad Kaaya--It's no secret that the 'Canes are a run based offense. FSU will look to stop Duke Johnson and force Brad Kaaya to beat them with his arm, and intelligence. Kaaya has grown over the course of the season, and should be ready to take on a larger role. Kaaya has to make the necessary reads at the line of scrimmage, and not make the crucial mistake. If Kaaya can complete passes early and force FSU to adjust, that will open up the run game. Offensive Coordinator James Coley has to allow Kaaya access to the entire playbook. A repeat of the Louisville game would be disastrous, Kaaya has to be allowed to win or lose with the full confidence of the coaching staff.
2. Offensive Line- The 'Noles have been using a plethora of blitz packages this season, due to the inability of the defensive line to create pressure on opposing passers. It will be on the Miami offensive line to protect Kaaya, and make sure those blitzes are accounted for. This won't be easy, as the Miami O-Line has been ravaged by injuries, leading to young offensive linemen being thrust into the fray, but Art Kehoe has done an excellent job this season. This unit would benefit from Offensive Coordinator James Coley calling screens and draws in order to neutralize FSU's aggressive defensive gameplan.
3. Challenge Jameis Winston--Jameis Winston is the best quarterback the 'Canes will face this season, and it's going to take an outstanding defensive effort to contain him. Winston has to be challenged before the snap with a vast array of fronts and coverages. Recently, Miami has been unpredictable, utilizing a variety of defensive packages and concepts. That has to continue, as Winston struggles against teams who challenge him. The 'Canes have nothing to lose, and the defensive gameplan should reflect that.
4. Cash In On Miscues-- Jameis Winston has become turnover prone, which means there will be some errant passes out there on Saturday. It's on the Miami secondary to turn those errant passes into interceptions, and the Miami offense to turn those interceptions into touchdowns. The teams that have put FSU on the ropes won the turnover battle. Last season, Miami forced Winston into some turnovers, that has to happen again.
5. Win From Within--Miami/FSU is a rivalry game, which means that the team that plays the angriest, and hits the hardest will be the team that emerges as the victor The 'Canes have to come out with energy, they have to come out and be ready to punch FSU in the mouth. Former Hurricane Head Coach Jimmy Johnson once stated "When you fight a gorilla, you don't hit him lightly. You hit him with everything you got!" Miami has to enter this game with that mindset, because the 'Canes can't out-talent FSU. If the 'Canes can find a way to shock FSU, it won't be because of a schematic advantage, it will be because Miami played above their heads, and flat out whipped FSU.
Posts
