Line: No line.
Series Record: Miami leads 7-1.
Last Meeting: 2009, Miami 48-16.
What’s at Stake
Bragging rights, mostly. Florida A&M believes it was far more competitive in last season’s matchup than the final score, and with a roster loaded with players from the Sunshine State, it seems like a rivalry game for the Rattlers. Miami’s goal for Week 1 is far more obvious. The Hurricanes want to see what they have from their second-stringers _ and hope to get them plenty of action _ plus see development from the tight ends and defensive front four.
Key Matchup
Miami vs. Ohio State. It would be easy to say that the key matchup is how the Hurricanes load up against Florida A&M running back Philip Sylvester, who’ll likely be in some Wildcat formations and get more touches than just about anyone for the Rattlers. The true test for the Hurricanes will instead be keeping their minds on Week 1, and not looking ahead to No. 2 Ohio State. The long-awaited rematch in Week 2 pits two programs who met nearly eight years ago in a national title game that Miami felt it gave away.
Players to watch
Florida A&M: Sylvester. A 3.0 student, a leader on and off the field, the slight running back _ he might be generously listed at 5-foot-9 _ could be the sort of game-changer that gives the Rattlers some hope of a supreme upset.
Miami: QB Jacory Harris. All eyes will be on Miami’s junior leader, especially after offseason thumb surgery. Harris had 17 interceptions last season, second-most in major college football, and his biggest point of emphasis this season is to stop making the harried, hurried throws that led to giveaways in 2009.
Facts & Figures
The Hurricanes opened last season against ranked teams Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma. They won three of four. … The Rattlers are replacing QB Curtis Pulley, who had 2,705 total yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior. … The Hurricanes have won seven straight since the first meeting between the schools in 1979. The Rattlers have been outscored 219-46 over the last four meetings.
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