The first week of the college football season closes out on Labor Day, as a Sunshine State showdown pits ACC rivals Miami and Florida State against one another in Tallahassee.

Bobby Bowden's Seminoles are once again a favorite to win the ACC crown this year, after coming off a nine-win season in 2008, that saw the team go 5-3 in- conference. The regular season didn't end particularly well with a 45-15 whipping at the hands of eventual national champion Florida, but the Seminoles did end the year on a good note, completely dominating Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl (42-13).

Randy Shannon was forced to play a lot of freshmen in his second season at the helm in Miami and although the youth presented a challenge, the team showed signs of returning among the conference elite, winning seven games overall, with a five-game win streak at one point that included a 16-14 upset of eventual ACC champion Virginia Tech. The Hurricanes earned a spot in the Emerald Bowl against California, but came out on the short end of a 24-17 decision against the Golden Bears.

Miami holds a 30-23 series advantage over Florida State. Since joining the ACC in 2004 however, FSU holds a slim 3-2 edge, including a memorable 41-39 shootout victory last year in Miami.

The Hurricanes had a pair of young quarterbacks lead the way last year and the results were mixed to say the least. With the transfer of Robert Marve, the offense will be all sophomore Jacory Harris' to run. Harris started two games last year and played well overall, completing over 60 percent of his passes in limited action. With the team's top two tailbacks and top four receivers returning to the mix, the sky is the limit for Harris in terms of production in 2009.

His health however, is a must early on, as depth behind him is sparse, with the departure of both youngsters Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith, who have ben granted their release from the program.

Junior tailback Graig Cooper is a back after he led the team in rushing last season, averaging nearly five yards per carry. He will be aided in the ground game by Javarris James, who missed a good portion of the season due to injury.

The receiving corps is young but talented, highlighted by sophomores Aldarius Johnson, Thearon Collier, Travis Benjamin and LaRon Byrd. The 6-2 Johnson led the team in receptions in 2008 (31), while Benjamin (18 receptions, three TDs) earned Freshman All-American honors. Junior Leonard Hankerson is the elder statesman in the receiving corps and could be a valuable contributor as well.

The offensive line must replace two starters from 2008, but should be improved nonetheless. The strength of the unit may be inside with mammoth guards Orlando Franklin (6-7, 334) and Joel Figueroa (6-5, 335), while senior Jason Fox has all-conference talent.

The Miami defense is still making strides in terms of returning to the feared unit that terrorized opponents just a few years ago. With eight starters back from last season, there is a good chance that this defense will continue to improve.

Up front the Hurricanes will look to players like sophomore DE Marcus Robinson (35 tackles, four sacks) and junior DT Allen Bailey (36 tackles, five sacks) to lead the charge. They will get help from a healthy Eric Moncur (6-2, 255), who was awarded another year of eligibility.

The linebacking unit will be highlighted by sophomore Sean Spence (82 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, two sacks) and senior Darryl Sharpton (66 tackles).

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