Florida Football Insiders: Miami Flexes Muscle, Gators Find Spark

Week 7 of the college football season brought fireworks across the Sunshine State. From Gainesville to Miami, Tampa to Tallahassee, Florida’s programs showed why this season is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in years.  And Jason Powers brings you up to date on the entire week on Florida Football Insiders.

Miami Continue To Solidify Playoff Position

The headline belongs to the Miami Hurricanes, who solidified their national title hopes with a statement 28–22 victory over Florida State in Tallahassee. The Hurricanes raced out to a 28–3 lead behind quarterback Carson Beck’s four-touchdown performance and Malachi Tony’s big-play heroics. While FSU mounted a late rally, Miami’s control in the trenches never wavered. With a favorable remaining schedule, Mario Cristobal’s squad now sits in the driver’s seat for a spot in the ACC title game and perhaps the College Football Playoff.

Have The Gators Started Their Turnaround?

In Gainesville, Billy Napier may have bought himself some breathing room. The Gators earned their best win of the season with a 29–21 victory over the Texas Longhorns. Freshman receiver Dallas Wilson made his long-awaited debut, exploding for 111 yards and two scores. Quarterback DJ Lagway and running back Jayden Ball led an offense that finally looked balanced and dangerous. With a trip to Texas A&M up next, the Gators will look to prove this wasn’t a one-off.

Bulls Get Ready For Big Conference Test

In Tampa, the South Florida Bulls kept rolling with a 54–26 win over Charlotte. Byrum Brown accounted for six total touchdowns and 630 yards of offense, but his workload raises concerns for the Bulls’ long-term hopes. With three tough road games ahead, including North Texas and Memphis, USF’s American conference title dreams will be tested.

Elsewhere, UCF fell 27–20 to Kansas in a back-and-forth game in Orlando, dropping to 0–2 in Big 12 play. Florida International wwas blown out at UConn, while Florida Atlantic notched a gritty 27–21 win at Rice behind quarterback Daniel Richardson.

The stakes only get higher from here. Miami looks poised to make a playoff push. Florida has a chance to save its season. USF can position itself as a New Year’s Six contender. And Florida State faces a long climb back into the ACC race.
Listen to “Florida Football Insiders: Miami Flexes Muscle, Florida Finds Its Spark, and USF Rolls On” on Spreaker.