As Bobby Bowden heads down the home stretch of his coaching career, he is back on the sidelines for his 34th season at Florida State as the Seminoles are home in Monday night's opener against rival Miami. Bowden led the Noles to two National Titles in 1993 and 1999 and he will be shooting for his first in the 2000's.

"Definitely I want to win a national championship again," said Bowden. "I wish I could leave here on top."

NCAA odds makers like his chances, at least for tonight against Miami. They are calling the Seminoles 6 point home favorites as they get set to face-off with the Hurricanes. The total in the contest is sitting at 47.5.

Florida State comes in ranked 18th in the nation after posting a 9-4 record and winning the program's 27th consecutive bowl appearance, the longest such streak in the nation.

Junior Christian Ponder is set to begin his second season as the Seminoles' starting quarterback. He threw for 2,006 yards with 14 touchdowns in 2008 and looks to build on last years success.

The Miami Hurricanes open the season with one of the toughest schedules anyone has every seen. After Monday night's game in Tallahassee, the Canes host No. 15 Georgia Tech, travel to No. 7 Virginia Tech and play the 3rd ranked Oklahoma Sooners at home.

Not any easy task considering the Hurricanes have lost 11 of their last 13 games against ranked teams.

Under center for Miami is Jacory Harris. After splitting time last season with Robert Marve, who has since transferred to Purdue, Harris is now the clear number one guy in Miami. He threw for 1,195 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman.

Neither team is close to what they once were in the 90's, but this is still a great rivalry. Bowden and the Seminoles dream at a National Championship run are probably a fantasy, but they will open on the right track.

Take the Noles and give the 6 points at home.