Miami and Florida resume a once-fierce rivalry, with both coaches seeking a much-needed win.
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What Are the Stakes?
The state rivals, Miami and Florida, are resuming their once-heated series, and the loser is sure to have fans calling for a coaching change. Miami’s Mario Cristobal has a 12-13 record over two seasons at his alma mater, including four losses out of five to close 2023. Florida’s Billy Napier has an 11-14 record in Gainesville and has lost 10 of his 13 games - including five straight - against Power Four opponents. Both might need a win. The Gators have what many consider the toughest schedule in the country.
See also: Florida’s schedule could jeopardize the nation’s longest scoring streak.
Second Conflict
Florida needs to find a way to slow down Miami’s formidable passing and rushing tandem of Rueben Bain and Francisco Mauigoa. The duo combined for 15 sacks last season and faces a revamped Gators offensive line that could feature three new starters, including the entire right side. Florida allowed 39 sacks in 2023, tied for 115th nationally. This is the most sacks the program has conceded in nearly a decade.
Players to Watch
Miami: QB Cam Ward was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal after last season, and the Hurricanes convinced the former Incarnate Word and Washington State standout to delay his NFL plans and come to Coral Gables. He has totaled 13,875 passing yards, with 119 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He also ran for 16 more touchdowns.
Florida: WR Tre Wilson could emerge as a star after finishing with 61 receptions for 538 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. Wilson played a complementary role to Ricky Pearsall last year but is expected to be Graham Mertz’s go-to guy this year. Wilson added 10 pounds of muscle to better handle the increased workload and, hopefully, avoid missing games.
Facts and Figures
Miami has won seven of the last nine meetings in a series that was played annually from 1938 to 1987 (except in 1943 due to World War II). The Hurricanes have a 12-9 record in games played in Gainesville, although Florida won the last meeting, 26-3 in 2008. The Gators have won 33 consecutive home openers, an NCAA record that began after a 24-19 loss to Ole Miss in 1989. This will be only the fourth time in the last 20 seasons that Miami, Florida, and Florida State face each other in the same year. Miami has a 15-2 record against the Gators when they score 21 points or more. Florida has scored in an NCAA-record 448 consecutive games, 53 more than anyone else in college football history.