Florida State will host Miami in a big conference rivalry matchup on Sunday. The visiting Hurricanes come in off a bad 70-50 loss to Georgia Tech. Miami lost at home while ranked for the third time this season, with each defeat coming against an unranked team. Florida State meanwhile is coming off 82-76 double OT win over Wake Forrest on Wednesday. This looks to be a highly competitive game but we should look at the home team to come out on top despite being the slight underdog.

Here are my keys to the game:



1. Home court advantage and motivation: The Seminoles are coming in off an energizing double OT win over Wake Forest and bring an impressive 9-2 record on home court into this game. The home crows won't be short of motivation to cheer for as the Seminoles haven't beaten their in-state rival Miami since the 2008 season. A win here would have tie the Seminoles with the Hurricanes at 4-5 in conference play.

2. Hurricanes inconsistencies: The Hurricanes will likely be dropping out of the top 25 after this Sunday and it is because of losses to inferior teams like Georgia Tech and "This team probably has the widest range of performance I've ever seen," said Jim Larranaga, who is in his 31st season as a head coach. "They can be absolutely great one night, and you just don't recognize them the next day.

3. X Factor: Rookie Xavier Rathan-Mayes stayed hot with 21 points Wednesday, hitting a long jumper and two free throws in the final minute to lead the Seminoles to an 82-76 double-overtime home win over Wake Forest.

Selection: This is a play on Florida State(8*)