When the Miami Hurricanes visit the Florida Gators to start their seasons on Saturday afternoon in Gainesville, both teams will be fired up. The Hurricanes, who were placed 19th in the Associated Press preseason poll, have a 29-27 series lead. The two teams haven’t met since the Gators won their 2019 season opening in Orlando, while Florida hasn’t played in Gainesville since a 26-3 victory over Miami on September 6, 2008. Miami’s most recent victory in “The Swamp” came on September 7, 2002, when they won 41-16 after winning the national championship. This game marks the first in a home-and-home series, with the Gators due to visit Miami next season—an arrangement that hasn’t been seen since 2003.
Being motivated in football should always take care of itself,” stated Miami head coach Mario Cristobal earlier this week. “When you play a rivalry game like this, things naturally heat up, but it’s important to remember that games like these—and games in general—are won during the offseason. They’re won during your Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday practices. It’s almost as if you’re playing the game before playing it. Every ounce of focus must be directed towards preparation.”
The Hurricanes and Gators enter the season with opposing perspectives. Miami has its most talented roster in years, and a win on Saturday could kick off a push for the Atlantic Coast Conference title, a College Football Playoff berth, and potentially more. In comparison,
While Florida may have high internal expectations, head coach Billy Napier enters the season under fire, and the Gators’ difficult schedule may compound his plight.
Miami’s season will begin with new quarterback Cam Ward, a transfer from Washington State. Ward is on every preseason quarterback watch list and is regarded as a Heisman Trophy contender. The Hurricanes have put together a formidable supporting cast around him, including Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez and returning receiver Xavier Restrepo. Miami’s defense is anchored by edge rusher Rueben Bain, who is regarded among the best defensive players in the country.
(Miami) have a very talented roster,” Napier stated. “You research their recruiting courses and the players they’ve added via the portal. This shows a great task, one we’ve been preparing for since January.”
Napier and Cristobal have a history of coaching together at Alabama under Nick Saban from 2013-2016. Graham Mertz of Florida returns at quarterback, giving the Gators an experienced option who is familiar with their scheme. Montrell Johnson Jr. takes over as the top running back after Trevor Etienne transferred to Georgia, and he is anticipated to offer explosiveness to the offense. Trey Wilson III is Florida’s leading returning receiver, having recorded 61 receptions, 538 yards, and six touchdowns previous season.
