Saturday's contest between the Noles and Canes was quite an ugly affair, but if there's one thing college football fans need to accept, it's that an ugly win is better than a pretty loss on any Saturday of the year. Florida State struggled offensively, not picking up a single first down until mid-way through the second quarter of the game. Fortunately, they were able to make enough plays to pull out the victory as the defense faced one of their biggest challenges of the year in a very good Miami offense. All around, Florida State fans should take from a positive feeling away from this game not only because their team beat one of their biggest rivals for the second year in a row, but because it was a hard fought game that was in question through the fourth quarter of play. The Seminoles had been on cruise control for four weeks leading into this game. Good teams find a way to win, even when they aren't playing their best. That's what FSU did on Saturday.

Yesterday the Seminoles defeated rival, the Miami Hurricanes 23-19.  FSU walks away with a win, and thanks in large party to the worst officiating we have ever witnessed it was an odd game to try and capture rhythm .

Below are where the Seminoles currently are ranked offensively and defensively.

USA Today Coaches Poll: #22

AP Poll: #23

BCS: #25

Recruits Reaction to win

Another Crap Call

It was not a pretty win by any stretch of the imagination. A win, though, is just that as the Seminoles prevailed victorious over the Miami Hurricanes 23-19.

The first Seminole first down came with 7:41 to go in the first half.  Two more first downs later and  FSU lead at the end of that half 17-7. Strange? It was indeed – even from the first play from scrimmage.

On the first play of the game by Miami, Jacory Harris threw a pass to wide receiver Allen Hurns which appeared to be completed – and was called as much on the field.  Hurns fumbled, which was recovered by Lamarcus Joyner and taken to the end zone for, what appeared, to be the first score of the game.  After a very lengthy review by the ACC officials – it was overturned and Miami kept the ball.  This botched call, was a sign to come, yes, but not even what would unfold is something I could have been prepared for.

The anticipation and excitement that surrounds a UM and FSU game isn't what it used to be, but that hasn't stopped the Seminoles from selling out Doak Campbell Stadium for Saturday's game. For the Seminoles and their fans, this Miami game will stand as a huge measuring test, as many have been partially satisfied yet unimpressed overall by the Noles' recent four game winning streak. In that stretch FSU has been dominant, winning each game by at least 25 points and rendering opposing offenses almost completely ineffective. The question that will be answered Saturday is whether or not these Seminoles are prepared to put forth that type of impressive performance against a team like the Hurricanes, who has comparable athletes on both side of the ball. Despite UM's record, their team is easily the most talented team FSU has faced since playing Clemson at the end of September. Are the Noles ready for the challenge?

There is a natural comparison that many like to make between Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno.  On the football field, that is fine - off the field this has zero to do with football. Nothing. no comments

While things in Tallahassee have slowly began to stabilize over the last few weeks during a dominant four game winning streak, Seminole fans are fully aware of the fact that the competition has not exactly been the toughest. That makes this week rivalry game with the Miami Hurricanes headed to town that much more important. The Canes will be the first team Florida State has played that comparable talent on both sides of the ball since Clemson and should the Seminoles come away with a victory, they will be widely considered FSU's first notable victory. The teams the Noles have put away in their dominant four game stretch have a combined record of 12-18 on the year and while the Hurricanes do bring a very mediocre 5-4 schedule of their own to Tallahassee, this game will say a lot more about where Florida State stands than the previous four. The combination of talent level and the amount of added pressure and excitement that comes with a rivalry game against a team with revenge on the brain should not be lost when looking forward to this contest. Though the record may not say much, this Miami team is better than the squad that rolled over in the face of a 45-17 beatdown against the Noles last season. The Hurricanes will bring the most balanced offensive attack that Florida State has faced since suffering back to back losses to Oklahoma and Clemson in September. no comments

Throughout the storied history of Florida State football, one of the all-time fan favorites for many Noles is without question, Warrick Dunn. Dunn holds the record for single season rushing yards (1,242) and in a career (3,959). He is the only Seminole to ever rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. No Seminole has ever rushed for more 100 yard games (21) or scored more touchdowns in their career (49). He is without question, one of the greatest Noles of all-time. In addition to his greatness on the field, he is known universally as one of the sport's true nice guys and represents Florida State University with great pride and honor in everything that he does. We were fortunate enough to have Warrick Dunn take time out of his very busy schedule and answer a few questions for us to share his thoughts on the current state of FSU and what he has been up to.  no comments