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FSU-Florida: Keys To Victory

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By SCOTT CARTER | The Tampa Tribune
and ANDY STAPLES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 22, 2007

Five Things FSU Must Do To Win:

* Make some big plays on offense. QB Drew Weatherford has shown his ability not to lose games by making costly mistakes, but if he wants to outshine Florida QB Tim Tebow, Weatherford has to throw downfield more than usual. That could mean a big day for 6-foot-6 receiver Greg Carr against UF's vulnerable secondary.

* Get the ball into WR/RB Preston Parker's hands as much as possible. When FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher was asked this week if Parker is developing into FSU's Percy Harvin, Fisher responded: "He's our Preston Parker.'' Parker made his debut at RB last week and rushed for 133 yards against Maryland. If he comes close to matching that total against the Gators, FSU has a chance to win.

* Avoid all the distractions that come with playing in The Swamp. That could be more difficult than normal this week in the wake of FSU LB Geno Hayes' ''Tim Tebow is going down'' comment. UF fans will be all over Hayes and the Noles, which shouldn't be a factor after kickoff, but you never know in this heated rivalry.

* Keep Tebow off the field as much as possible. The best way to do that, of course, is by putting together time-consuming drives on offense. When Tebow is on the field, the Noles slow him down enough to prevent him from getting into his usual comfort zone. That won't be easy, but if FSU wants to win, Tebow can't have another five-touchdown day.

* Win the turnover battle. When the Noles knocked off No. 2-ranked Boston College and Heisman candidate Matt Ryan earlier this month, FSU forced four turnovers while committing none. It will take a similar mistake-free performance to knock off the Gators.

Five Things Florida Must Do To Win:

* Pressure Drew Weatherford. Florida has struggled in pass coverage all season, but there is one way to take pressure off a young secondary that may play without starting CB Joe Haden. Weatherford can't throw to Greg Carr, De'Cody Fagg and Preston Parker from his back. DTs Mike Pouncey and Clint McMillan will need to push the pocket, and DEs Derrick Harvey and Jermaine Cunningham should be able to use their speed to their advantage against FSU's inexperienced offensive line.

* Shut down Preston Parker. Parker, whom the Seminoles began using in a hybrid tailback/receiver role last week, should look familiar to the Gators. FSU coaches hope Parker will give them exactly what Percy Harvin gives Florida. The only difference? Harvin is better. The Gators should be able to stop Parker with the same schemes they would use against Harvin in an intrasquad scrimmage.

* Forget the insignificant stuff. FSU LB Geno Hayes predicted that Florida QB Tim Tebow ''is going down.'' The Gators should ignore Hayes' comment. They also shouldn't worry if the Noles try to stomp their logo before the game. If Florida wins, no amount of talk or symbolic gestures will compare to four consecutive Gators victories in the series.

* Harvin is back, so use him. Last time Harvin took the field, he gained 223 yards from scrimmage. Even if he's rusty, giving Harvin the ball a few times should force FSU defenders to account for him. With the Noles worrying about Harvin, getting open should be easier for WRs Andre Caldwell and Louis Murphy or TEs Cornelius Ingram and Aaron Hernandez.

* Win the game, win the Heisman. Tebow doesn't have to throw for 500 yards or rush for 200 to jump to the top of Heisman voters' ballots. He's already there. A steady performance in a win probably would be enough to keep him there.

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