The Gators clash vs the Hurricanes will no doubt define their entire season. Despite some shortcomings in years past, Florida is a storied program that expects to compete for championships. However, under head coach Billy Napier, the Gators have simply been competing to become bowl-eligible. That could all change this season, starting in week one. Despite owning the hardest schedule in the country, this will be Napier’s most talented team to date. Returning quarterback Graham Mertz will go a long way toward competing with the best of the best this season. Revamping the roster, Napier decided to hit the transfer portal hard, especially on the defensive side. With a now older and more experienced roster, the Gators should be committing fewer penalties and be much more physical. Against the Hurricanes, there are several positional matchups to keep an eye on, ones that will determine the game’s outcome.
Will Secondary Keep Ward in Check?
The Hurricanes decided that it would be in their best interest to pursue a quarterback out of the transfer portal. Landing on Cam Ward, the former Washington State signal-caller has an NFL future. Regarded by some as the best quarterback in college football, the Gators defense will have their hands full. A dual-threat player, it will be imperative that the Gators do not let him escape from the pocket. Subpar the past few seasons, the Gators secondary has a chance to make a statement early in the year. Bringing in some veteran transfers, this group should flow much smoother and commit fewer mental mistakes. Arguably the weak link of the defense in years past, fans are eager to see how this unit performs. With Jason Marshall Jr. returning, the Gators have a proven leader in this position group. They must be physical and set the tone early.
The cornerback position is now deep with talent thanks to transfers and returns from injury. Unlike years past, fans are much less worried about the mental and physical toughness of this group. Adding former 5-star Cormani McClain allows the Gators to be flexible in their rotation, with the talent behind the starters. Fans should be expecting to see Marshall, as well as Devin Moore, command this group, with a talented rotation behind them. At safety, the Gators return All-SEC Freshman Jordan Castell. Slotting in next to him should be Washington transfer Asa Turner, who is loaded with experience. The Gators decided to particularly focus on this group, as they brought in two other safeties in the portal. DJ Douglas from Tulane and Trikweze Bridges from Oregon will help round out this group. With four starting caliber players, this safety room is the deepest it has been in quite some time.
Linebackers Must Stuff the Run
Arguably the deepest position on this Florida defense, this linebacker unit will pave the way. Adding transfer Grayson “Pup” Howard from South Carolina should help round out this position group. Expected to start from day one, Howard will slot in nicely next to rising star Shemar James. Last season, when James went down with an injury, it felt like no one in this room really stepped up. Oftentimes not physical enough in run support, it was imperative that the Gators improve. Going up against a stout running team, the linebackers will have to hit the Hurricanes in the mouth early. Miami decided to bring in transfer Damien Martinez to spearhead this running back room. A talented player, the Gators must not give him an inch of space, or they will pay. Led by many transfers, this Miami offense is loaded with talent and could be dangerous.
Can the Offensive Line Hold Up?
Last season, the Gators offensive line was not up to standard, failing to adequately protect Graham Mertz. With a now younger and revamped unit, fans are intrigued as to how they will look in week one. Switching Damieon George over from tackle to guard should go a long way in providing interior support. Not the strongest in the run game, the Gators need to create more holes up front. A now well-built group, this unit will certainly be challenged week in and week out this season. Returning plenty of players with college experience, it will be interesting to see how they come together as a unit. With plenty of talent at the skill positions, the Gators can’t get them the ball if the line doesn’t block. Weak on the inside in seasons past, the Gators now have two new starting guards. A whole new unit, the season depends on their cohesiveness.
Key Takeaways
There is no doubt that the Gators season hinges on the outcome of this game. If Florida were to drop this game, the road to a bowl game would begin to appear difficult. The Gators must make a statement vs the Hurricanes. Taking place in the Swamp, the home-field advantage will be huge for the Gators. As discussed, there are plenty of positional matchups that will dictate the outcome of this game. Certainly, the Gators’ defense must be much improved this season if they want any ounce of success. This dynamic Miami offense will challenge them early and often. However, this is a Florida offense littered with talented skill position players. They will surely be able to score, however, they can’t afford to get into a shootout. It will all come down to if the Gators’ defense sets the tone vs the Hurricanes and brings the physicality from the first snap.
