Last year’s “win” was almost more frustrating than a loss. The Seminoles, for the most part, controlled the game and won it easily except for a few choice moments when the coaching staff, ever fearful of losing, decided to play it safe. A punt before halftime resulted in a made field goal for the Hurricanes, who built on the momentum of the big plays to get that field goal in the second half.
Rivalry games are always interesting because the intensity is there, but so is the deep-seeded doubts planted by years past. The current team doesn’t even have to have been in a disastrous game of the past to feel its effects. The shadow of missed field goals continues to haunt this team mostly because its coaching staff still remembers.
The Seminoles will frustrate their supporters as they have the ability and talent to dominate opponents, but run the danger of playing not to lose. Thus, the prevent offense is invoked and the lead becomes challenged.
Tonight’s game will pit FSU as the favorite. With the number 18 ranking in the country, the Noles are in the dangerous spot of being expected to win. The Hurricanes, however, love the underdog role and have no pressure. The entire media is feeling sorry for UM as they have one of the toughest schedules to open the season in the country, maybe ever for their school. They aren’t expected to win, but if they can – what a big boost it would be for them. For Florida State, there is nothing to gain here, only to lose. A win would be big in the sense that it shows they can win games as the favorite and it would give them some bragging rights for this year. Yet, in the big picture of things, you can’t help but feel that there isn’t really much for the Noles to gain from a potential win. They will square off this year at Doak Campbell Stadium as Bobby Bowden will lead his team out for the 34th year as head coach.
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