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FSU Knows Canes' Defense Is Strong

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By STEVE ELLIS

The Tallahassee Democrat

Published: September 29, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - It's Miami - but not as deeply talented and feared as it once was.

That said, Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher had a point when the questions outside the Florida State locker room following Saturday's 39-21 victory over Colorado turned to the next opponent.

This remains a Hurricanes team to reckon with.

Two days of watching film has not altered Fisher's thinking that the Hurricanes pose plenty of challenges for his mostly young offense. Miami has the ACC's top rushing defense, just ahead of FSU, plus more speed with intimidating size up front.

FSU can point to QB Christian Ponder playing better in the second half against Colorado, with three scoring drives.

The second half has been Miami's Achilles' heel through its first four games. The Hurricanes (2-2) have been outscored 51-24 in the final two quarters this season, and they gave up 21 points to North Carolina on Saturday in their second loss of the season.

"He Ponder fought through the demons - got his feet back on the ground and in the second half really came out and controlled mentally and physically," Fisher said.

NOTEWORTHY: Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews is hopeful that he'll have his two starting cornerbacks available for the Miami game. Tony Carter suffered a groin injury at the end of the first half and Patrick Robinson injured his lower back on the kickoff return to open the second half.

"They'll probably be able to play," Andrews said.

FSU also gets DL Paul Griffin back.

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