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

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The three-E alliteration in all probability was unintentional, however Billy Napier went down a mini-checklist throughout his Monday information convention of what his Florida Gators would wish to herald their 2024 season-opening conflict Saturday in opposition to No. 19 Miami at sold-out Spurrier/Florida Area. 
 

* Emotion – Examine. Granted, no participant on the UF roster actually can relate to the historical past of this rivalry that dates again almost 90 years, however the anticipation of the matchup between two marquee manufacturers from reverse ends of the state, with all of the run-up and nationwide ramifications, has been simmering for months and has gone subsequent stage within the sweltering practices of August. 

* Vitality – Examine. Is there any doubt that the 90,000 contained in the “Swamp” and a UF fanbase starved for achievement will do their half to take the homefield vibe to a different stage?  

Each of these components determine to rival the effervescent humidity for the three:45 p.m. kickoff. 
 
It is that third merchandise that can show most pivotal. 
 
* Execution – How will Napier’s most proficient roster carry out – and, frankly, differ at game-defining moments – from his Gator groups which have mixed to go 11-14 and made Napier the primary Florida head coach since Raymond B. Wolf in 1946-47 to publish shedding data his first two seasons? Whereas UF has veteran playmakers on offense, it has a lot to show on a protection that has struggled underneath the final two head coaches and particular groups marred final season by brutal self-inflicted wounds.  

All that is driving on “E” No. 3 is the all-important early season narrative that can launch the Gators right into a pressure-packed ’24 marketing campaign with little respiration room; as in a 12-game schedule that, for now, has UF listed as preseason underdogs in a staggering eight video games, together with a 2.5-point dwelling canine in opposition to the Hurricanes. 
 
Right here we go, of us.
 
[Read senior writer Scott Carters’ comprehensive “Opening Kickoff” setup here]
 
There’s commonality between the 2 groups. Each head coaches are of their second seasons and have sub-.500 data. Each rosters had been bolstered by transfers in the course of the offseason. Each packages have historic disdain for the opposite, though the rivalry has been lowered to simply 9 conferences (UM profitable seven of them) since UF begged out of the annual rivalry in 1988. The Canes lead the all-time collection 29-27.
 
The 2 final met in 2019 in a neutral-site conflict at Orlando, the place the Gators prevailed 24-20. Subsequent to nothing in regards to the packages have remained the identical since, beginning with totally different head coaches and, in fact, all new gamers. 
 

Miami coach Mario Cristobal is 12-13 in his two seasons at Coral Gables. He began 4-0 in ’23, however went 3-6 the remainder of the best way, with losses in 4 of the final 5, together with a 31-14 defeat in opposition to Rutgers within the Pinstripe Bowl. 
 
For Florida, coming off a 5-7 mark, it’s going to begin with the regular, mistake-free play of fifth-year senior quarterback Graham Mertz, who accomplished a team-record 72.9 p.c of his passes final season for two,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and simply three interceptions. Mertz, although, suffered a season-ending shoulder damage within the third quarter of a good one at Missouri within the next-to-last sport of ’23. The Gators misplaced that one on a walk-off area aim, plus the regular-season finale in opposition to Florida State with inexperienced (and since-transferred) Max Brown underneath heart.
 
Although Mertz is again and the clear-cut triggerman of the offense, in some unspecified time in the future he is anticipated give technique to a collection or two for freshman DJ Lagway, the Gatorade Nationwide Participant of the 12 months out of Willis, Texas. The thrill when Lagway takes the sphere will likely be immense. 

Each quarterbacks will lean on an offensive line rebuilt through gamers progressing via this system and transfers, with tailback Montrell Johnson (817 yards and 5 TD in ’23, and possible after present process arthroscopic knee surgical procedure early in camp), wideouts Eugene Wilson III (61 catches, 531 yards, 6 TD as a real freshman) and Wisconsin switch Chimere Dike, plus tight ends Arlis Boardingham looming as early go-to guys. 
 
UF averaged 408.8 yards (46^th nationally) and 28.4 factors (57^th), whereas struggling to run the ball (149.5 per sport, 77^th) and defending the quarterback (39 sacks, 117th). Evaluate these numbers to UM, which boasted one of many nation’s greatest defenses (24^th at simply 321.6 yards per sport), together with a measly 105.6 speeding yards allowed. 
 
The Canes’ power on protection is a entrance thought of among the many high 5 within the nation, led by edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Tyler Baron, plus deal with Simeon Barrow Jr., that will problem the Gators’ offensive line. 
 
However the problem that so many Florida followers will deal with will likely be on the defensive aspect, the place the Gators ranked 68^th final season nationally (382.3 yards per sport), 75^th in scoring (27.6 factors per sport) tied for 104^th in purple zone protection (87.5 p.c) and compelled simply seven turnovers (132^nd, dead-last in all FBS). 

UF added Ron Roberts, by the use of Auburn, to help defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, and their preliminary cost will likely be devising a plan to restrict the all-purpose expertise of Miami quarterback Cameron Ward, who the final two years mixed to cross for six,968 yards (on 65.5 p.c), 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions to go together with one other 202 yards and 13 TD speeding at Washington State. These numbers had been amassed within the defunct Pac-12, not precisely identified for its protection, however his athleticism and play-making shouldn’t be in query. 
 
Translation: It will not be simple for the Gators. 
 
What are you aware? One other “E” phrase. 
 
Protection begins at 3:30 p.m. on ABC, with the crew of Joe Tessitore on play-by-play, former Gators quarterback Jesse Palmer offering evaluation and Katie George working the sideline. The Gators Sports activities Community from Learfield broadcast will air with pregame protection starting at 12:30 p.m. and ultimately give technique to the group of Sean Kelly within the sales space Shane Matthews and sideline reporter Tate Casey. There’s additionally a Westwood One nationwide radio airing, with Nate Gatter and Derek Rackley on the decision. For stations, click on right here. 
 
The sport will likely be re-aired Thursday at midday and once more Friday at 5 a.m. on the SEC Community.
 
Lastly, observe senior author Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) for commentary and evaluation all through the sport. FloridaGators.com can have full post-game protection from the sport late Saturday evening and follow-up content material early Sunday, additionally.