Florida State at Miami: Preview and Prediction
The Miami Hurricanes host the Florida State Seminoles today in a game that has major implications for the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season championship.
The Canes are 23-5 overall and 14-4 in the ACC, while Florida State has gone 8-20 overall and 6-11 in the ACC. Here’s a look at the key points for today’s contest.
Game Information
Time: 4 p.m.
Television: ESPN2
Location: Watsco Center
SI Sportsbook
Betting Line: Miami -13 over FSU
Over/Under: 154
Money Line: Miami -1000, FSU +600
Rankings and Trends
Miami has been ranked #14 in the Associated Press Poll and #11 in the Coaches Poll.
The KenPom Rankings have Miami #28 overall, with offense ranked #6 and defense #112. FSU has been placed at #214, while the offense was rated #170 and defense #254.
The Canes have won seven in a row, including victories on the road at #19 Clemson, at home over Duke, at North Carolina, at home over Wake Forest, and at Virginia Tech. Miami has gone 8-2 during its last 10 games.
Miami has scored at least 70 points in each of its victories during the seven-game winning streak. Against a FSU defense ranked #254 by KenPom, the odds appear to be good that the Canes will surpass 70 again today.
FSU has lost four in a row, and won three of the last 10. The one unique victory came over a talented Pittsburgh team at home.
Injury News
As mentioned in yesterday’s article about Matthew Cleveland’s back injury, his ability to play will greatly impact this contest. Hard for the Noles to lose 14 points and roughly 8 rebounds per game and expect to win in the Watsco Center.
There has been little online conversation about Cleveland’s status, so everyone will likely know what happens with him during warm ups and at tip off.
Projected Starting Lineups
Miami Hurricanes
G
Isaiah Wong
, 6-4, 185, 16.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.5 stl
G
Nigel Pack
, 6-0, 185, 13.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1 stl
G
Jordan Miller
, 6-7, 195, 14.9 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 stl
G
Wooga Poplar
, 6-5, 190, 7.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 stl
F
Norchad Omier
, 6-7, 250, 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.3 blk
Florida State Seminoles
G
Jalen Warley
, 6-6, 200, 6.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.2 stl
G
Darin Green, Jr
., 6-5, 200, 13.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg
G
Caleb Mills
, 6-5, 180, 13 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3 apg
F
Baba Miller
, 6-11, 205, 4.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.7 apg
F
Cam Corhen
, 6-10, 225, 8.4 ppg, 3.3. rpg, 0.6 apg
Today's Projected Top Performer
Miller will be the key, especially if he does not have to go against Cleveland. During the last three games, Miller scored 49 points and pulled down 26 rebounds. He was also a defensive stalwart, and his defensive value as been as much, if not more, impactful than Miller's offensive value.
Look for Miller to score at least 15 points today, as well as contribute to several other statistical categories on offense and defense. He will once again prove why he's a special player.
Game Analysis
From the game in Tallahassee, Miami out rebounded the bigger FSU squad 40-23; hustle won the backboards for the Canes. Look for that trend to continue, and it will be a key component for the Canes to win today.
Also important to note, Miami has played well enough for this game to mean something more than just being a rivalry game. A Canes win over the Noles means Miami continues to have a shot to win the ACC title, plus be a No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament. From there, there’s also a shot to gain a better seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Look for the Watsco Center crowd to be rockin’ early, and continue to do so for much of the game. The Hurricanes will come out with a bundle of energy, gain an early lead that will stay in double digits for much of the contest, and win going away.
Miami 85 FSU 68
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