This week, they'll meet as also-rans.

For the first time since 1977, both the Hurricanes and Seminoles will be unranked in the annual showdown. Florida State dropped out of the AP Top 25 yesterday, falling from last week's No. 21 perch after losing 24-21 at Wake Forest on Thursday night. Miami hasn't been ranked since September 17, 2006.

Nonetheless, there will be much interest in Saturday's game at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

"There's something special about it," Miami coach Randy Shannon said yesterday.

It has been a disappointing season for both schools. They're near the basement of their respective six-team divisions of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and things will get worse for one of them Saturday.

Florida State (4-2, 1-2) is two games behind Boston College in the ACC's Atlantic Division standings, and some Seminoles are acknowledging that all hope of a league title is virtually gone.

"We've got to keep doing our jobs from now on, even though we can't get into the ACC" championship game, Florida State wide receiver Preston Parker told reporters after the Seminoles' loss to Wake Forest.

Miami (4-3, 1-2) is two games behind Virginia and Virginia Tech in the Coastal Division, and has a fairly tough schedule the rest of the way.

The Hurricanes' first seven opponents have a combined 18-29 record: The remaining five are a combined 24-9. Miami also has road tests remaining at Boston College (7-0) and Virginia Tech (6-1), but this week, the Hurricanes say they're only thinking about the Seminoles.

"Every game's a big game and Florida State's next on the list," offensive lineman Derrick Morse said. "It's a rivalry game."