Game Preview: FSU vs Miami

In two days, the Miami Hurricanes 17-10 (7-7) will host the Florida State Seminoles 15-13 (7-8) at 9:00 EST in the BankUnited Center.

Previous Meeting: The first meeting between these in-state-rivals came on the first day of February where the Seminoles upset the #23 Miami Hurricanes. Down 36-25 in the second half, the Noles found a way to hold Miami to just 18 points and win by a score of 55-54. FSU was led by Montay Brandon who went 7-of-7 shooting and led all scorers with 18 points. A key to the Seminoles' win was the ability to drive the lane, work the ball inside to the big men, and to make shots (53.7%) from the field. After the win against Miami, the Noles improved to 7-0 against in state teams. 

What's at Stake: Miami, who is currently on the bubble of the prestigious NCAA Tournament, will need to be victorious against the Seminoles Wednesday if they want to return to the tournament. The last time the Hurricanes were invited to the dance in 2013, they were ousted in the Sweet Sixteen by Marquette. 

Florida State on the other hand will be NIT bound unless they find a way to get hot starting with Miami. If the Noles could possibly win the three ACC games left: at Miami, #12 Louisville, and Pittsburgh that would bring the Seminoles to a 18-13 (10-8) record and would set up nicely for a good ACC seeding in the upcoming conference tournament. 

Analysis: For the Seminoles to defeat this tough Miami team again, a few things will need to happen in favor of FSU. Last meeting Miami went 8-24 (33%) from the 3 point line, with all players willing to take shots, FSU will need to play good perimeter defense and not allow the ball to get inside. Also, I cannot stress this enough, do not turn the ball over! FSU is 328th and averages 14.9 turnovers a game, which are mostly mental mistakes, Miami is 17th with only 10 per game. Also, FSU is not a good free throw shooting team, only shooting 66% as a team which by all means is not good. 

Miami should be favored in this game and could very well go on to become a tournament team, but the Noles should provide a great Wednesday night basketball game.

Only a few more days until March and we all know by now that March is truly Madness.

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Picture credit FSU Men's Basketball

Life after Jameis Winston: Who Will Be The Next FSU QB?

Two ACC Championships, one National Championship, and a Heisman Trophy; Jameis Winston is one of, if not the best quarterback to play at FSU. As with any great player a time comes when they must move on to bigger and better things, in fact Winston will enter this years 2015 NFL draft almost certainly to become a first round, top 5 pick. With Winston going towards the NFL, Nole fans will have to direct their attention to a new face, a new quarterback. New quarterbacks bring hope, desire, aspirations to programs to become something they were not in years past, this quarterback competition will be fierce and should provide answers for the Seminoles future.

First lets look at Sean Maguire (6'3, 220). Maguire a redshirt Junior made a couple appearances in 2013 where he was on mop up duty after the game was far from over. In 2013, he was 13-21 for 116 yards 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions with a completion percentage of 61.9%. In 2014 Maguire got his opportunity to start his first collegiate game against ACC rivals, Clemson who by the way had the number one defense in the FBS. During the 23-17 OT victory Maguire threw for 304 yards going 21-39 with a touchdown and two interceptions. Maguire is the leading candidate for the job only because he is the only one with actual game experience.
Pros: Arm Strength, playing time.
Cons: Not a runner, slow on reads.

Second we have John Franklin III (6'1 180). Franklin is from Plantation, Florida and has been the most underrated player you have never heard of. A redshirt Sophomore, Franklin has been able to learn system for three years and has helped FSU tremendously in practice. Although Franklin has never taken a snap in a live college football game, he has helped FSU prepare for Auburn and Oregon by imitating the speed of the two quarterbacks (Nick Marshall- Auburn, and Marcus Mariota- Oregon) earlier in the year, Jimbo asked Franklin if he would want to become a WR, thinking his future would be there. Due to injuries, Jimbo called back Franklin to become a QB and help the Seminoles to prepare. It is still possible Franklin could move back to receiver, because his blazing fast speed. The only time we have seen him in live competition at FSU was earlier this year in the Garnet and Gold game when he went 5-10 for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Pros- Fast, Athletic, College Arm
Cons- Decision making, Pocket Presence, Size and Weight.
John Franklin III Highlight Video

Third J.J. Cosentino (6'4 234). Cosentino a redshirt Freshman from Central Catholic high school is in his second year with the Seminoles and also has not played a snap. Cosentino was the #6 player in his state and ranked #11 as a pocket passer. Cosentino led his high school to a 15-1 record before losing in the State Championship. Cosentino would fit in perfectly with the FSU system and definitely has the build of a quarterback.
Pros- Arm Strength, play action, can run if under pressure
Cons- Experience.
J.J. Cosentino Highlight Video

Finally, a new recruit Deondre Francois (6'1 195). Francois the #16 Quarterback in the nation is verbally committed to FSU with still teams like UF looming. Being a true Freshman it should be interesting how Francois will fit into this offense, a very fast big arm passer. In high school was good on his reads and was not afraid to throw the long ball. He also looks very comfortable in the pocket, which could provide the Seminoles to look forward to something in the future.
Pros- Reads, Not afraid to throw the deep ball, speed.
Cons- Experience, Accuracy.
Deondre Francois Highlight Video

So who would you choose to take the reins of Renegade and guide the Seminoles in 2015?