Game Day: Florida vs No. 19 Miami (Saturday, 3:30 pm)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The three-E alliteration probably was unintentional, but Billy Napier went down a mini-checklist during his Monday news conference of what his Florida Gators would need to bring in their 2024 season-opening clash Saturday against No. 19 Miami at sold-out Spurrier/Florida Field.

* Emotion – Check. Granted, no player on the UF roster truly can relate to the history of this rivalry that dates back nearly 90 years, but the anticipation of the matchup between two marquee brands from opposite ends of the state, with all the run-up and national ramifications, has been simmering for months and has gone next level in the sweltering practices of August. 

* Energy – Check. Is there any doubt that the 90,000 inside the “Swamp” and a UF fanbase starved for success will do their part to take the homefield vibe to another level?  

Both of those elements figure to rival the bubbling humidity for the 3:45 p.m. kickoff. 

 

It’s that third item that will prove most pivotal. 

 

* Execution – How will Napier’s most talented roster perform – and, frankly, differ at game-defining moments – from his Gator teams that have combined to go 11-14 and made Napier the first Florida head coach since Raymond B. Wolf in 1946-47 to post losing records his first two seasons? While UF has veteran playmakers on offense, it has much to prove on a defense that has struggled under the last two head coaches and special teams marred last season by brutal self-inflicted wounds.  

All that’s riding on “E” No. 3 is the all-important early season narrative that will launch the Gators into a pressure-packed ’24 campaign with little breathing room; as in a 12-game schedule that, for now, has UF listed as preseason underdogs in a staggering eight games, including a 2.5-point home dog against the Hurricanes. 

 

Here we go, folks.

 

[Read senior writer Scott Carters’ comprehensive “Opening Kickoff” setup here]

 

There is commonality between the two teams. Both head coaches are in their second seasons and have sub-.500 records. Both rosters were bolstered by transfers during the offseason. Both programs have historic disdain for the other, even though the rivalry has been reduced to just nine meetings (UM winning seven of them) since UF begged out of the annual rivalry in 1988. The Canes lead the all-time series 29-27.

 

The two last met in 2019 in a neutral-site clash at Orlando, where the Gators prevailed 24-20. Next to nothing about the programs have remained the same since, starting with different head coaches and, of course, all new players. 

 

Miami coach Mario Cristobal is 12-13 in his two seasons at Coral Gables. He started 4-0 in ’23, but went 3-6 the rest of the way, with losses in four of the last five, including a 31-14 defeat against Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl. 

 

For Florida, coming off a 5-7 mark, it’ll start with the steady, mistake-free play of fifth-year senior quarterback Graham Mertz, who completed a team-record 72.9 percent of his passes last season for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Mertz, though, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the third quarter of a tight one at Missouri in the next-to-last game of ’23. The Gators lost that one on a walk-off field goal, plus the regular-season finale against Florida State with inexperienced (and since-transferred) Max Brown under center.

 

Though Mertz is back and the clear-cut triggerman of the offense, at some point he’s expected give way to a series or two for freshman DJ Lagway, the Gatorade National Player of the Year out of Willis, Texas. The excitement when Lagway takes the field will be immense. 

Both quarterbacks will lean on an offensive line rebuilt via players progressing through the program and transfers, with tailback Montrell Johnson (817 yards and 5 TD in ’23, and probable after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery early in camp), wideouts Eugene Wilson III (61 catches, 531 yards, 6 TD as a true freshman) and Wisconsin transfer Chimere Dike, plus tight ends Arlis Boardingham looming as early go-to guys. 
 
UF averaged 408.8 yards (46^th nationally) and 28.4 points (57^th), while struggling to run the ball (149.5 per game, 77^th) and protecting the quarterback (39 sacks, 117th). Compare those numbers to UM, which boasted one of the nation’s best defenses (24^th at just 321.6 yards per game), including a measly 105.6 rushing yards allowed. 
 
The Canes’ strength on defense is a front considered among the top five in the country, led by edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Tyler Baron, plus tackle Simeon Barrow Jr., that will challenge the Gators’ offensive line. 
 
But the challenge that so many Florida fans will focus on will be on the defensive side, where the Gators ranked 68^th last season nationally (382.3 yards per game), 75^th in scoring (27.6 points per game) tied for 104^th in red zone defense (87.5 percent) and forced just seven turnovers (132^nd, dead-last in all FBS). 

UF added Ron Roberts, by way of Auburn, to assist defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, and their initial charge will be devising a plan to limit the all-purpose skills of Miami quarterback Cameron Ward, who the last two years combined to pass for 6,968 yards (on 65.5 percent), 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions to go with another 202 yards and 13 TD rushing at Washington State. Those numbers were accumulated in the defunct Pac-12, not exactly known for its defense, but his athleticism and play-making is not in question. 
 
Translation: It won’t be easy for the Gators. 
 
What do you know? Another “E” word. 
 
Coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. on ABC, with the crew of Joe Tessitore on play-by-play, former Gators quarterback Jesse Palmer providing analysis and Katie George working the sideline. The Gators Sports Network from Learfield broadcast will air with pregame coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. and eventually give way to the team of Sean Kelly in the booth Shane Matthews and sideline reporter Tate Casey. There is also a Westwood One national radio airing, with Nate Gatter and Derek Rackley on the call. For stations, click here. 
 
The game will be re-aired Thursday at noon and again Friday at 5 a.m. on the SEC Network.
 
Finally, follow senior writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) for commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have complete post-game coverage from the game late Saturday night and follow-up content early Sunday, also.