Final score predictions for Florida vs. Miami: Will this be DJ Lagway’s resurgence or Carson Beck beating the Gators once again?
All of our experts agree this will be a close game
ESPN’s College Gameday is coming to Coral Gables as the Florida Gators are set to take on Miami Hurricanes on Saturday night.
One of the interesting things about this matchup is the different direction that both of these teams are taking. The Gators are inching closer to firing head coach Billy Napier and the Hurricanes are 3-0 with aspirations of making the College Football Playoff in a weaker ACC. It’s going to be a tough game, and our staff made their predictions.
Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes final score predictions
Miami 23, Florida 17
This is a very interesting game for multiple reasons. First off, it’s a major rivalry that needs to be played every year, but the SEC adding a ninth conference game is going to make this rivalry tougher to navigate each year. It’s a hatred that spans many years.
These teams are on different ends of the spectrum. The Hurricanes are on the rise with a huge win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to start the season. Carson Beck is doing well in Shannon Dawson’s offense, but there are still limitations with his arm strength. The Gators’ defense can take advantage of that, and it’s one of the better units in the country. They have allowed just 31 points to opposing offenses over the first three games of the season, and the unit allowed just three points across the four interceptions that weren’t the pick-six.
The key here is going to be DJ Lagway. He still has all the talent in the world, but it’s evident that his lack of reps this offseason has been the biggest reason why the Gators have been struggling on offense. If he can balance things out and play like he did at the end of last season, this will be a game. Regardless, the defense will keep this game close. Tyler Forness, A to Z Florida
Miami 30, Florida 27
This is a game that Miami can, and probably should, win handily. The Hurricanes are as physical as it gets on both sides of the line of scrimmage in college football right now. Carson Beck has been terrific, succeeding Cam Ward this year. Rueben Bain, Jr. might be the best defender in all of college football, and certainly, with Akheem Mesidor, they have the best edge rusher combo in the nation. Miami’s secondary appears to be adequately patched up after last year’s debacle.
But this is a Florida team that’s coming in with their backs against the wall. I think DJ Lagway is substantially better than he looked against LSU. As they did against Notre Dame, Miami gets up comfortably, but lets its foot off the gas and withstands, just barely, a resurgence of Lagway and the Florida passing game in the second half. Craig Smith, A to Z Vols
Miami 30, Florida 20
The Florida Gators actually outpaced the LSU Tigers in most per-play metrics in last week’s loss, but the five interceptions thrown by DJ Lagway ultimately decided the game. The Gators have a good run game. They have a defense that held its own despite being put in incredibly tough spots by the offense. If Lagway simply makes better decisions instead of forcing things that aren’t there, they should be able to hang with Miami.
The Hurricanes have breakout young stars on offense like Malachi Toney. They have the QB in Carson Beck, who’s been looking like his best self. They have the pass rush with Rueben Bain. Miami is simply going to be too much for a good (but struggling) Florida team at most every spot. Hurricanes win 30-20. Travis May, A to Z Michigan
Miami 31, Florida 24
I know the last two weeks suggest the Florida Gators are in for a long evening in Miami on Saturday, but this isn’t USF or LSU> Arguably, the two most popular programs in the state (sorry, FSU), a lot of the players on each sideline are familiar with each other. They played against or played with one another, and they view these games as a battle for home turf. Sure, you wish the Gators came in with a better resume, but they are solely focused on winning this game in that locker room this week.
That alone will keep this game close in my opinion. DJ Lagway had a stinker last week. He looked overwhelmed and flustered en route to five interceptions. I think he will settle down this week. But in the end, the pass rush of the Hurricanes will overwhelm the Gators and leave them with three straight losses. Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh
Miami 27, Florida 17
With quarterback Carson Beck behind center, the Miami Hurricanes have a reborn sense of optimism and expectation. The key to Beck’s revival is an outstanding offensive line in front of him and a solid supporting cast. Beck and company should have a challenge in front of them from the Gators’ defense, but that unit has struggled mightily to get after the quarterback so far. If Beck is able to stay clean, he should be able to keep this offense on schedule and off balance. The key is to make solid decisions and get the run game going.
For the Gators’ offense, quarterback DJ Lagway is coming off a disastrous performance against LSU last week. While he’s talented enough to rebound, Lagway has been struggling consistently so far. Going into this type of environment could officially sink his season. Billy Napier‘s watch continues, and this game isn’t going to help his cause, even if it’s close for a while. Ryan Roberts, A to Z Notre Dame
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