Marve, Ponder Working Out Kinks

The situation used to be precarious, something only attempted in an emergency.

Starting an inexperienced quarterback in the Miami-Florida State game? That was asking for trouble.

Now, it's simply reality for two programs seeking a rebound to prominence.

UM is led by Robert Marve, a redshirt freshman from Plant High, who is making his fourth career start.

FSU features Christian Ponder, a sophomore, who is making his fifth career start.

When the Hurricanes (2-2, 0-1) host the Seminoles (3-1, 0-1) today in a key Atlantic Coast Conference survival game at Miami's Dolphin Stadium, it might come down to the quarterback who is best at handling the occasion.

"This is a rivalry game and a big-time situation I've been looking forward to," said Marve, who has completed 34 of 49 passes in his last two games, a win at Texas A&M and a bitter final-play home defeat against North Carolina. "You grew up knowing about those Miami-Florida State games and wanting to be part of something like that."

Ponder can relate. His father, David, was an FSU defensive lineman who blocked a punt for a safety in the 1983 game (UM won 17-16, a key moment in the drive for its first national championship).

"I've known about this game forever," Ponder said. "It's pretty intense."

And even though neither team has realistic designs on a national title - formerly the annual backdrop for UM-FSU - the intensity will be there again.

The Seminoles lacked offensive firepower in their opening ACC game, a 12-3 home loss against Wake Forest, but gained a vital victory last week by discovering their running game and defeating Colorado 39-21.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, blew a nice opportunity to open ground in the ACC Atlantic Division, surrendering a two-touchdown lead and falling to North Carolina, 28-24. Marve nearly pulled it out, but his last-play pass to the end zone was on the fingertips of Hurricanes receiver Kayne Farquharson, but UNC's Trimane Goddard pulled it away for the interception.

Marve finished 18 of 27 for 135 yards and three touchdowns. He is improving weekly, but UM coach Randy Shannon continues to insert true freshman Jacory Harris each game as a change-of-pace option.

"Robert has done a tremendous job of learning what we're trying to get done on offense," Shannon said. "He's getting it to different receivers every game. He has been phenomenal. We like what he's doing.

"But he has to stay focused on learning. When we put Jacory in, Robert sits and recognizes what has changed in the game since he's been in. He makes the adjustments, and that has helped him out tremendously."

Ponder regained his rhythm against Colorado, mostly utilizing the running of Antone Smith (154 yards, three TDs) and completing 10 of 22 passes for 119 yards.

The previous week against Wake Forest, Ponder was 6-for-18 for 52 yards and three interceptions, while splitting time with D'Vontrey Richardson.

"The Miami game is big for Ponder, but the last one Colorado was big," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "If we win this one, the next one will be big."

FLORIDA STATE (3-1, 0-1) AT MIAMI (2-2, 0-1)

At Stake

After a steady decline that has produced a 21-16 record at Miami the previous three seasons and 22-17 at FSU, both programs are into a youth movement that has observers believing the worst might be in the rearview mirror. Today's winner takes another step forward.

Keep An Eye On:

FSU - QB Christian Ponder, who has struggled more than expected the past two games in his first starts against Division-I opponents. The Noles need Ponder to be composed - and on target - against Miami's aggressive defense.

Miami - QB Robert Marve (Plant High) is completing more than 60 percent of his passes as a redshirt freshman, with five touchdowns and three interceptions - two of those in the fourth quarter of last week's collapse against North Carolina.

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