After watching ever play from the Wake Forest game the first time around, my confidence for this Miami game dropped like a rock. The second time around, however, I feel much better about our chances. Here's the key take aways:
1) Our LBs seem to be the most vulnerable position on defense, and typically are responsible for failed stops. It could be because the defensive line is not particularly dangerous, and as a result the LBs have to cover a lot more field, but generally speaking these guys are caught moving in the wrong direction - a lot. WF had the most success with the TE matched up against 1 or even 2 LBs, and some simple misdirection plays in the backfield. Our DE's, however, are playing much better, are containing the play nicely.
2) The corners are playing well individually, but it'd be nice to see a bit better scheme against the short passing game. Maybe it's our gameplan - give up the little play to prevent the big one - but WF converted third downs using cut routes and out routes. The CB always gave the WR some space. They'd react to the pass well, but just couldn't get there in time. Tackling was fine.
3) The offense is a hair away from being the best in the ACC, even without Cook. Each position is playing hard, but also each position is just a tad off on any given play, and the result can be a stagnant offense. I think the conditions had a lot to do with our passing attack woes - look for a much better game against Miami. Vickers is a GOOD back. He made some great moves behind the line to weave into a crease and get extra yards. Golson has a great arm and great legs - he will make plays tonight. The line is playing better. WRs had a key drop or 2 against WF, but the tape wasn't as bad as I remembered the game.
All in all, if you watched the NC State vs VT game, you should feel a lot better about FSU. Our players don't suck - we're a good team. That said, look for Miami to have success on offense against our LBs. Hopefully they commit penalties because of the NOISE, and we have success with blitzes. I don't think Cook plays tonight; if he does, I don't think he plays well. Hammy's take a while to get back to 100%. It won't matter. Vickers will turn some heads, and maybe we'll unveil the freak freshman sitting on the bench.
FSU - 30
Miami - 24
1) Our LBs seem to be the most vulnerable position on defense, and typically are responsible for failed stops. It could be because the defensive line is not particularly dangerous, and as a result the LBs have to cover a lot more field, but generally speaking these guys are caught moving in the wrong direction - a lot. WF had the most success with the TE matched up against 1 or even 2 LBs, and some simple misdirection plays in the backfield. Our DE's, however, are playing much better, are containing the play nicely.
2) The corners are playing well individually, but it'd be nice to see a bit better scheme against the short passing game. Maybe it's our gameplan - give up the little play to prevent the big one - but WF converted third downs using cut routes and out routes. The CB always gave the WR some space. They'd react to the pass well, but just couldn't get there in time. Tackling was fine.
3) The offense is a hair away from being the best in the ACC, even without Cook. Each position is playing hard, but also each position is just a tad off on any given play, and the result can be a stagnant offense. I think the conditions had a lot to do with our passing attack woes - look for a much better game against Miami. Vickers is a GOOD back. He made some great moves behind the line to weave into a crease and get extra yards. Golson has a great arm and great legs - he will make plays tonight. The line is playing better. WRs had a key drop or 2 against WF, but the tape wasn't as bad as I remembered the game.
All in all, if you watched the NC State vs VT game, you should feel a lot better about FSU. Our players don't suck - we're a good team. That said, look for Miami to have success on offense against our LBs. Hopefully they commit penalties because of the NOISE, and we have success with blitzes. I don't think Cook plays tonight; if he does, I don't think he plays well. Hammy's take a while to get back to 100%. It won't matter. Vickers will turn some heads, and maybe we'll unveil the freak freshman sitting on the bench.
FSU - 30
Miami - 24
