Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes Preview: How Billy Napier’s squad can defeat bitter rival

It’s a difficult task that the Gators will be up for

Craig Smith, Tyler Forness
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Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) gestures against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

The Florida Gators have a difficult test on their hands Saturday night when they head to Coral Gables to take on the Miami Hurricanes. Not only is it going to be the primetime game on ABC, but it will be the focus of ESPN’s College Gameday.

Billy Napier is going to need to start picking up some big wins if he wants to remain the head coach. He is currently 20-21 without a single ranked win on the road. When you play in the SEC, that’s not good enough, especially for a program like Florida.

Going into the big rivalry matchup with the Hurricanes, this could be the end for Napier if he doesn’t get the win. To get a better sense of what the Gators are dealing with, I spoke with fellow A to Z writer and Hurricanes expert Craig Smith.

Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes preview

How has Carson Beck adjusted to Shannon Dawson’s offense? Is it as explosive as it was with Cam Ward under center?

I wouldn’t say it’s quite as explosive as last year, at least as it relates to huge chunk plays.  Rather, it’s been highly efficient with Carson Beck under center. He’s looked as accurate and in rhythm throwing with his receivers than I could have ever imagined through three weeks. 

An offensive line that looks even better than last year’s has helped substantially as well, as the Canes physically controlled ranked teams in Notre Dame and USF this year.  In other words, balance, physicality, and accuracy.  A dangerous combination. 

The Gators’ defense is only allowing 10.33 points per game across their three contests. How will the offense attack it to put points on the board? 

I think the Gators obviously have dudes on defense with a secondary that can keep up with Miami’s skill position players well.  If Beck has to throw 40 times, it’s not ideal. The Hurricanes will try to do what they’ve done in every game this year – lean on teams with their offensive line and stable of fresh and physical running backs to wear them down while creating uncertainty with their playcalling.

When Miami does throw the ball, Malachi Toney has been a one-on-one nightmare in the slot, so he’s a difference maker, particularly on third downs.  He dusted a Notre Dame defender with a crisp whip route on third down against Notre Dame in a key spot. If Florida can’t account for him and contain him, it’ll be a long day. 

Can the defensive line be stopped?

Well, they haven’t been so far. Reuben Bain, Jr. and Akheem Mesidor have to be on a very short list for the best edge rushing duo in the country, at minimum.  But Miami’s gotten tremendous play on the inside with a group that includes Ahmad Moten, Sr., La Tech transfer David Blay, Jr., and youngsters Justin Scott and Armondo Blount. Florida will have their hands full with them, but I expect Florida to direct their protections at Bain.  He’s the difference maker on either defense. 

Final score prediction

I think this is close because I believe Florida has the talent to keep up with Miami and has plenty of motivation to play for at this point after dropping two games.  It’s also a rivalry game. And I don’t care what happened last year.  I think the Canes get up substantially, but DJ Lagway engineers a comeback that comes close but just short. Miami 30, Florida 27

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