Three And Out: FSU-Miami Game

This week's "Three And Out" is provided by Shandel Richardson, who has worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel since 2003. Shandel is the University of Miami beat reporter. He previously covered high schools in Broward and Palm Beach counties. He is a native of Bloomington, Ill. and attended Southern Illinois University. Thanks to Shandel for taking the time to answer my questions.

1. Both FSU and Miami have young and inexperienced quarterbacks. How would you assess the performance of Robert Marve so far this season?

So far, so good for Marve. There's really nothing you can complain about his performance. He played above and beyond expectations. He has three INTs, but only one was really a bad throw. Marve will only continue to get better, and hopefully the Hurricanes will allow him to become a playmaker instead of just a game manager.


2. Who are the marquee players for the Canes on offense and defense?

Offense: Robert Marve, Graig Cooper and Kayne Farquharson. Cooper has played solid without Javarris James the last two weeks. He takes a lot of criticism for being too soft, but he's run hard recently and welcomed contact from defenders. Expect him to get more involved in the passing game, too. Farquharson has emerged as the top receiving threat despite many thinking it would be one of the freshmen. A senior, Farquharson leads the team in receiving, even after missing the first game due to suspension.

On defense, I'd say the playmakers are at LB. Colin McCarthy, Glenn Cook and Sean Spence have all been solid. Eventually, defensive lineman Eric Moncur and Allen Bailey could earn those roles.


3. Who in your opinion must have a good game in order for the Canes to beat FSU this Saturday?

The key this week for the `Canes is defense, particularly the secondary. They really have a lot to prove after struggling the last two games. Guys like Chavez Grant, Bruce Johnson and DeMarcus Van Dyke are really on the spot this week. If FSU has their way with them, expect the Seminoles to have a strong chance for a victory.