'Canes Cost Themselves a Win vs. Florida State

After a 45-17 dismantling by the 'Noles last year in Coral Gables, I expected the 'Canes to march into Tallahassee with one thing on their minds--revenge.  It seemed that this would be the case--that is, until the second quarter began.

The 'Canes dominated Florida State in the first quarter, but the first play of the game was a pick 6 by the 'Noles.  This would be a sign of what was yet to come.  The interception would later be reviewed (one of many many many reviews) and eventually overturned. 

To say this was a bizarre game would be an understatement.  Were these real referees?  At one point I remember saying to myself, these refs need to have their heads reviewed.  There were so many reviews, I am surprised the equipment didn't short out.

Nevertheless, the 'Canes were definitely the better team on the field.  At one point they lead 7-3, but Florida State would go on the score 20 unanswered points and Miami would never recover.

The Hurricanes would rally in the 4th, but it was too little, too late.  After a Mike James touchdown and a botched extra point, the "U" had to rely on a Dalton Botts onside kick if they wanted to escape Tallahassee with a W.  It was a beauty of a kick, but Nick O'Leary, grandson of Jack Nicklaus, recovered the ball and sealed the 'Canes fate.
 
By the way, what was with all of the Miami trickeration?  I do not understand how rotating quarterbacks would benefit the offense.  If anything, it only helped to slow down Jacory's momentum.  Fisch should have stuck with what works--run the ball with Lamar Miller to set up the play action pass.  We have never rotated quarterbacks, why do this during the biggest game of the season--especially against your arch rival.  Doesn't make sense.

Jacory Harris was a respectable 20-31 with 1 interception and 1 touchdown.  At one point, offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson landed on Jacory's leg, resulting in a brief scare. He would be okay.

Lamar Miller showcased his power.  He was out to flatten somebody.  Man, how we missed this Lamar.  He was running hard, lowering his shoulder and finishing his runs.  He had 22 carries for 92 yards.

Miami's defense played stellar.  Aside from one impressive drive by Florida State, Miami's D contained dual-threat quarterback EJ Manuel.  Sean Spence is truly something special.  He plays with such intelligence.  He is going to be a big loss come next year.

Special teams can be summed up in one word--disastrous.  Travis Benjamin, please don't try to make something out of nothing.  If the punt bounces over your head, simply let it roll.  His muffed punt would prove to be a momentum changer.
Florida State's Gred Reid returned a punt 83 yards to give the 'Noles a 17-7 lead.  That guy is faaaasssstttt. 

In all, the 'Canes were responsible for 3 turnovers and a missed extra point.  You simply can't make that many mistakes and expect to win the game. 

Miami would rally late in the fourth quarter, but in the end, Florida State was victorious.  They won by a final of 19-23.  Miami still leads the all-time series between the two.

The "U"falls to 5-5 on the season, but with a win next week vs. USF, Miami will become bowl eligible.  A kickoff time has yet to be announced.

As always, go 'Canes!