The Miami Hurricanes aren't a ranked college football team yet. But a win over No. 18 Florida State in their season opener would change that pretty quickly.
The Hurricanes face the No. 18-ranked Seminoles on Monday, Sept. 7, at Tallahassee, Fla. The Labor Day matchup, which is scheduled for an 8 p.m. (EST) telecast by ESPN, will mark the 54th meeting between the schools.
Miami holds a 30-23 series lead. But the Hurricanes will be looking to avenge a heartbreaking 41-39 loss at home to the Seminoles last season.
More importantly, Miami would like to start the season -- and Atlantic Coast Conference play -- on a winning note. A remarkably young Hurricanes team started 7-3 in 2008 but lost its final three, including a 24-17 decision to California in the Emerald Bowl.
The Hurricanes, who were 35th in voting for The Associated Press preseason poll, made a rather surprising run in 2008. But more will be expected from a team that's not quite so young any more. An ACC championship would be a nice prize for coach Randy Shannon's team.
Ditto for Florida State, which is coming off a 9-4 season capped by a 42-13 thrashing of Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl. It was an important step forward for the Seminoles, who barely cracked the .500 barrier the previous two seasons
Read more: http://college-
