Miami (FL) @ Florida State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 15, 2014 ) Florida State 30, Miami 26

It appears Florida State quarterback Everett Golson is starting to become comfortable and the No. 8 Seminoles might need him to exude even more confidence when they host Miami (Fla.) on Saturday in prime time. Golson could be the key to Florida State remaining undefeated as star running back Dalvin Cook (570 yards, 8.6 per carry, six touchdowns) is questionable with a hamstring injury he suffered during last week's 24-16 victory at Wake Forest.

“It wasn’t as drastic or as bad as we think,” Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters. “(Cook) is a guy who heals very quickly and plays tough ... just got to wait day-by-day and see how it goes.” Florida State is already without running back Mario Pender, who suffered a collapsed lung during practice Sept. 24. The Hurricanes, who have lost five straight to the Seminoles, are coming off their first loss of the season — a 34-23 setback at Cincinnati. Brad Kaaya had his streak of throwing a touchdown pass end at 16 games but leads all ACC quarterbacks with 1,094 yards and has thrown only four interceptions in his last 342 attempts.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Florida State -9

ABOUT MIAMI (FLA.) (3-1, 0-0 ACC): Kaaya directs the No. 27 offense in the nation at 460.8 yards per game and his favorite target is wide receiver Rashawn Scott (23 catches, 307 yards, touchdown). Sophomore Joseph Yearby (424 yards, four touchdowns) powers the rushing attack and is ninth in the country at 7.3 yards per carry. The Hurricanes' defense has recorded eight interceptions in 123 pass attempts, including three apiece by Artie Burns and Rayshawn Jenkins.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (4-0, 2-0): If Cook cannot go or is limited, sophomore Johnathan Vickers (10 carries, 33 yards, touchdown versus Wake Forest after Cook left in first quarter) and freshman Jacques Patrick are expected to carry the load. Golson's numbers are decent — 64.2 completion rate, seven touchdowns, zero interceptions — but he hasn't shown the ability to consistently throw the ball downfield. The Seminoles allow 11.5 points per game — good for sixth in the nation — although Fisher wasn't pleased with the performance against Wake Forest, which included recording only two tackles for losses in 79 plays and a lack of a pass rush.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida State has outscored opponents 82-19 in the second half, including 41-0 in the third quarter.

2. Miami leads the ACC and is ranked second nationally in turnover margin (plus-9).

3. The Hurricanes lead the series 31-28 after the Seminoles prevailed 30-26 last season for their eighth victory in the last 10 meetings.

PREDICTION: Florida State 28, Miami 24