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Noles And Canes Playing For More Than Just Victory

MIAMI (CBS4) ― It was once one of the most storied riavlaries during the 1980's and 1990's, but for the past few years, the FSU vs. Miami game has lost much of it's luster. Both teams have struggled mightily in the past year, with both teams losing to a team from North Carolina in the past two weeks.

Florida State and Miami will play this weekend for more than just a shot at moving up the ACC rankings, but also to save their once vaunted reputation. The season hasn't been favorable for either team and whoever loses is going to have a tough time trying to come back on top.

Last year's game is still on veteran Seminole coach Bobby Bowden's mind. The Hurricanes scored two touchdowns in the final 75 seconds of the game to take the lead with 37-29. That game proved both programs have been on a declining path in recent years.

"It's a game you thought you had won," Bowden said. "They had their second team quarterback in there and you don't expect a second-team guy to do it and he did in three plays."

The Seminoles won their game against Colorado on Saturday 39-21. It was Bowden's 500th game coaching, and he's hoping it boosted sophomore quarterback Christian Ponder spirits, who struggled in his two starts against Bowl Subdivision teams.

"He's like all young quarterbacks," Bowden said Sunday. "He needs success. With success comes confidence."

But, it was tailback Antone Smith's second best game of his career. He ran 154 yards and three touchdowns against Colorado in the home field of NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. The 'Noles know it won't be so easy this Saturday. The Hurricanes defense ranks seventh nationally.

"We're going to find out more about our team each game we play," said Bowden, who now has 376 career coaching ones, one less than Penn State's Joe Paterno in their ongoing contest to finish No. 1 among major college coaches.

It's going to be the first time in the series the game will not be played at the Orange Bowl. And even though that's where Bowden won his first national title in 1973, he's ready to play in a new venue and ready to see his team prevail in this rivalry.

"It is Miami," Bowden said. "And Miami's just about in the same boat we're in."

And even though that boat seems like its sinking, Saturday's game will prove which team will be able to stay afloat. For Bowden's sake, he probably hopes the game doesn't come down to a field goal...again!

(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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