All Hurricanes Staff Predictions: Miami Hurricanes vs Florida Gators

The Miami Hurricanes season is almost here, as the 2024 campaign kicks off this Saturday in Gainesville at 3:30 PM EST.

With several outlets and personalities predicting double-digit wins and even a College Football Playoff appearance from the Hurricanes, Saturday's matchup will be a measuring stick for what 2024 can be for Miami.

Last Five Games For Miami:

Loss vs Rutgers (31-24)

Win at Boston College (45-20)

Loss vs Louisville (38-31)

Loss at Florida State (27-20)

Loss at NC State (20-6)

Staff predictions are as follows:

Brian Smith, Editor (0-0) - Miami 27, Florida 24

Miami’s showdown with Florida will come down to a few critical matchups and typical points of interest.

First, Miami’s offensive line and tight ends possess the experience, size, and talent to be effective in the run game. If the Hurricanes average four or more yards per rush on first downs, it will make it much easier on quarterback Cam Ward and each of the potential pass catchers to go to work. That brings up a key matchup.

Last season, the Gators consistently gave up big passing plays. CFB Stats has UF allowing 25 passes of 30 or more yards, ranking them 115th in the nation. Look for speedy receiver Jacolby George to be a threat to score over the top of the Florida secondary, among other UM pass catchers. Defensively, there’s one pivotal point attached to an injury.

Florida running back Montrell Johnson is coming off a knee injury and will likely miss the contest. With mostly inexperienced running backs coming into the rotation, UM’s pass rush adds even more chances to get to quarterback Graham Mertz .

35 sacks last season show that Miami will find the opposing signal-caller to begin with. If Johnson is out, look for at least three sacks, helping to slow down UF’s drives.

That’s important because the Gators do add Arizona State receiver Elihjah Badger to the receiving corps with Trey Wilson III and some other playmakers. The Gators will score some points but Miami should be able to create plays with Rueben Bain, Jr. , Akheem Mesidor , and a deep rotation of defensive linemen. That will be the final difference as Miami survives The Swamp.

Alex Donno, Writer & Locked On Canes Podcast Host (0-0) - Miami 24, Florida 21

Weathering the early storm will be a major factor for Miami. Florida has won 33 consecutive home openers. While most of those have come against lesser opposition, that streak still illustrates how difficult it is for visiting teams to win at The Swamp. Hurricanes' starting left tackle Jalen Rivers noted that the visitors need to play with "laser focus" in order to deal with the crowd noise. Scoring early would be the best way to quiet down the Gators faithful. Miami has built a well rounded offense with the additions of star quarterback Cam Ward, running back Damien Martinez and wide receiver Sam Brown . If Miami can shake off the offseason rust quickly, their playmakers should be able to score.

The battles at the line of scrimmage could decide this matchup. Head coach Mario Cristobal said he's expecting a "muddy, bloody battle" in the trenches. The Hurricanes did well to add standout edge rushers Tyler Baron and Elijah Alston to join Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor in the defensive end rotation. Miami should have enough there to keep pressure on Gators quarterback Graham Mertz. Putting Mertz under duress should limit the playmaking opportunities for top Florida wideouts Eugene Wilson and Elijah Badger.

I am expecting a low-scoring, physical affair, with Miami pulling out a nail-biter. A clutch field goal from Andres Borregales could end up being the difference.

Liam Willerup, Writer (0-0) - Miami 27, Florida 24

The toughest road environment the Hurricanes will face all season, this game will likely determine how the season will play out for Miami. When it comes to comparing the rosters of the two teams, Miami has the clear advantage in several categories in this matchup.

As for how the game will play out, I'd imagine the hostile environment of The Swamp will lead to some mistakes for the Hurricanes such as penalties or communication errors. However, I believe Miami's veterans will be able to make the crucial plays needed for them to sneak out of Gainesville with a close victory.

If Miami is able to control the line of scrimmage on both ends and limit the yards after the catch for Florida's receivers like Eugene Wilson III and Elijhah Badger, the Hurricanes should be starting this season off 1-0.