Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week one matchup vs Miami with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
You can also check our Florida vs Miami preview podcast here.
Roundtable:
What are the keys to Florida’s offense vs Miami?
AS: The offensive line. Florida needs to be able to run the ball and protect Mertz against a good Miami defensive line. In order for Mertz to succeed, the OL has got to give him time.
GH: I think everything starts with the offensive line to open things up this season. Miami has a good defensive line that can cause issues for the Gators all evening. That group will determine how well this offense performs on Saturday.
NM: Florida’s offensive line needs to perform at a high level against Miami’s talented front seven. Neutralizing Rueben Bain and the rest of the Canes’ edge rushers should be a top priority on Saturday. Find creative ways to work around Miami’s strengths by getting the ball out quickly to your playmakers in space. Exploit Miami’s biggest weakness, their secondary.
What are the keys to Florida’s defense vs Miami?
AS: Florida needs its defensive line to step up and create pressure against Cam Ward. Florida needs to make him uncomfortable early.
GH: The defensive line must get to Cam Ward and get to him early. I think there’s a world where this game could look similar to last year’s game against Tennessee if this defensive line can live in the backfield early. I think everything will come together defensively if the Gators can start out hot.
NM: Pressure Cam Ward. Ward is not good under pressure as he has the tendency to stay in the pocket too long until he makes a bad decision. The turnovers will come if you can keep Cam Ward off rhythm.
What freshman would you most like to see on the field in week one?
AS: Myles Graham. Florida needs another linebacker to come in and be a complete backer and Graham is that guy.
GH: The freshman I would most like to see on the field would probably be LJ McCray.
NM: DJ Lagway. Everyone wants to see Florida’s future at quarterback take a series against a ranked team in the home opener. While the task seems tall, Lagway has the talent to help Florida win games this season. Giving Lagway playing time in week one will force other teams on Florida’s schedule to gameplan for him, at least a little bit.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Win the turnover margin is always a big key in these types of games so I will be looking to see this Florida defense can create some turnovers.
GH: I would like to see the tackling on the defensive side of the ball do a complete 180 on Saturday. During the 2019 season, Miami running back DeeJay Dallas scored a long touchdown run after multiple Gators failed to bring down Dallas and prevent Miami from taking the lead . If the Gators continue to struggle in that department, players like Damien Martinez could do the same thing on Saturday. Tackling cannot be an issue in this game.
NM: Make plays on special teams. It doesn’t have to be a touchdown or a blocked punt, but I want the unit to look like they are prepared. College football has already started, and too many teams are making costly special teams errors in week one. Florida just hired analyst Joe Houston, who can now directly coach on the field. With the game expected to be very close, it could come down to the simple things.
Florida is currently 2.5-point underdogs against the Canes. How do you see this game going? Give us a score prediction.
AS: 24-17 Florida pulls off the win.
GH: I think the Gators barely slide by and win this game 24-20.
NM: I like Cam Ward for two turnovers on Saturday. Gators win 31-24.