Miami @ Florida State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 9, 2010 ) Florida State 45, Miami 17

THE STORY: While there have been many epic clashes between Miami and Florida State, it is battle currently being won by Florida State - on and off the field. The Seminoles have turned their season around with a five-game winning streak and will try to secure bragging rights over the Hurricanes for a second straight season when they host Miami on the 20th anniversary of one of the most memorable games in college football history. The Hurricanes have revenge on their minds after last season’s 45-17 dismantling in Miami. Each of the previous 10 meetings had been decided by eight points or less. The Seminoles’ decisive victory did continue one trend - the visiting team has won five straight. Miami leads the all-time series, 31-24.

TV: ESPN or ABC, and ESPN3.com. LINE: Florida State -9.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (6-3, 4-2 ACC): Florida State has outscored opponents 154-39 in its winning streak. The ACC’s best defense has forced seven turnovers over the last two games, while quarterback E.J. Manuel has thrown for 1,004 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions in four starts since returning from a shoulder injury. Freshman running back Devonta Freeman (358 yards, six TDs) recorded his first multi-touchdown game against Boston College.

ABOUT MIAMI (5-4, 3-3): Miami scored on its first five possessions in a 49-14 victory over Duke. Running back Lamar Miller ran for 147 yards to become the school's first 1,000-yard rusher since Willis McGahee in 2002. Miller will find the sledding much tougher against the Seminoles’ fifth-ranked rush defense (78.9 yards). Senior quarterback Jacory Harris (1,757 yards, 18 touchdowns, four interceptions) is having his best season, but he will face the ACC’s top pass rush (3.3 sacks per game) and its second-best pass defense (189.1).

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Seminoles’ win over Boston College made them bowl eligible for a 30th consecutive season. Nebraska has the longest streak at 35 straight seasons (1969-2004).

2. “Whoever wins (these) games sends a message to kids. … 'they’re winning, they’ve got to be the best team and that’s who I want to plays for.’ ” - Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher.

3. This game will take place nearly 20 years to the date of the first "Wide Right" game. Second-ranked Miami knocked off No. 1 Florida State on November 16, 1991, when Gerry Thomas missed a last-minute, 34-yard field goal.

PREDICTION: Florida State 30, Miami 20 - Dustin Hopkins is up to the task, but the Seminoles won't need to attempt a pressure kick late. Florida State bottles up Miller and Harris, while Manuel continues his second-half surge.