The skeptics are out there.
Despite a 4-0 start, a lot of people still aren’t sold on the Miami Hurricanes, who have beaten FAMU, FAU and Appalachian State (plus Georgia Tech). Now, against a wounded FSU team, we’ll see just how far the Canes have come.
Miami does have an impressive offense with quarterback Brad Kaaya and running backs Joe Yearby and Mark Walton. That’s a challenge for an FSU defense that has struggled against opponents’ quarterbacks all season.
Dalvin Cook, who had 222 yards agaisnt Miami, is an equalizer for the Seminoles.
The gut feeling, however, is that FSU’s porous defense might make this Miami’s year, and help to establish what Mark Richt is selling.
Prediction: Miami 26, FSU 24. And at the end, a field goal is wide right.
East Carolina at USF
If nothing else, the Bulls have proven that they’re an explosive team. They may start a little slow, but once they get going, the Pirates of East Carolina won’t be able to handle an attack that features Quinton Flowers, Marlon Mack and Rodney Adams.
Prediction: USF 42, East Carolina 17.
FIU at UTEP
The Panthers are coming off their first victory of the season under interim coach Ron Cooper. Like FIU, UTEP is 1-4 on the season. But this game is in the Sun Bowl, which should give the Miners just enough of a push to get over the hump.
Prediction: UTEP 17, FIU 10.
Charlotte at FAU
The Owls have already moved this game to Sunday to avoid Hurricane Matthew. That gives the Owls an extra day to think about the disappointment of last week’s loss to FIU. If FAU is able to get the game in, Jason Driskel should have just enough to get past Charlotte.
Prediction: FAU 21, Charlotte 17.
The Pros.
Tennessee at Miami
What do you do when you have two struggling 1-3 teams? You mix in the effects of Hurricane Matthew. This should be an interesting battle between quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill, but neither team is going to make the playoffs.
Prediction: Miami 20, Tennessee 14.
Tampa Bay at Carolina
The news isn’t that the Bucs are struggling. It’s that Carolina is sputtering right alongside them. So far, the Panthers miss Josh Norman in their secondary. That shouldn’t be enough for Tampa Bay to beat Carolina on a Monday night, however.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Tampa Bay 16.
