Thursday, October 24, 2002
Unbeaten Notre Dame underdog at Florida State
The Associated Press
Florida State is used to playing for national titles. Now it's trying to play spoiler Two weeks after falling a field goal short of knocking off No.1 Miami, the Seminoles will try to stop No. 6 Notre Dame's seven-game winning streak.
Under new coach Tyrone Willingham, the Fighting Irish are off to their
best start since 1993. A victory Saturday probably would lead to an 11-0 record entering Notre Dame's finale at USC on Nov.30. The Irish will be favored to beat Boston College, Navy and Rutgers before traveling to Los Angeles to play the Trojans.
But the 11th-ranked Seminoles won't be pushovers. They rarely lose at home and are favored by 10 points.
Florida State might be 5-2 and out of
the national title chase, but beating Notre Dame will revive its season.
For the first time since 1987, Florida State averages more yards rushing than passing. Behind Greg Jones' 117.4 yards a game, the Seminoles average 230 yards. Notre Dame is sixth nationally against the run (80.1 ypg).
“Our offensive line against their defensive line will be a great matchup,” Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden said. “It will be our strength against their strength.”
Notre Dame's offense woke up in last week's 21-14 win at Air Force. Ryan Grant ran for 190 yards and quarterback Carlyle Holiday gained 53 yards on one of his two touchdown runs as the Irish rolled up 447 yards.
FSU counters with Jones, a bruising runner who overpowered Miami's strong defense for 189 yards and a TD.
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Unbeaten Notre Dame underdog at Florida State
