Three Key Players That Must Play Well For Miami To Beat Florida

The big game pitting Miami against Florida is one day away. Which Hurricanes step up to help get a victory?

To win in The Swamp, one of college football’s craziest venues, it will take a team effort. Do not discount that point. Still, a handful of players – and a few prime plays – will decide the outcome.

Here are the three Canes that need a huge day against the Gators and why each should do just that.

Cam Ward, Miami Quarterback

Miami’s Mario Cristobal will want to establish the running game, place Ward and the offense in desirable positions, and set up play-action opportunities. With Damien Martinez and the wealth of talent at running back working behind one of the nation’s best offensive lines, Ward will likely see at least five good chances to hit big plays.

Keep in mind, that these do not have to all be designed deep shots. Ward’s escapability – and natural feel for when to leave the pocket – will aid him in earning more time to pass and hit receivers down the field.

Additionally, look for Ward to be more careful with the football than he's been during his time with Washington State. He does not need to play hero ball to help Miami win.

MIAMI AT FLORIDA : AllHurricanes Staff Predictions

Florida’s defense will be improved but it is far from fallable. It must prove that it can overcome the horrible number of big plays it gave up in 2023, including 20 passing plays allowed of at least 40 yards. That total places UF 132nd out of 133 FBS programs, per CFB Stats .

Ward will have a few options to throw deep with one key player to note, and he’s next on this list.

Jacolby George, Miami Wide Receiver

Remember George’s performance versus Texas A&M? A junior last season, George went off with 5 receptions, 94 yards, and 3 touchdowns. His ability to make catches in traffic is one thing. It’s the quick-twitch ability to change directions and hit the gas afterward that separates George from defensive backs and places him into the end zone.

UF’s secondary has talent at cornerback and safety. Will it consistently play together though? Last year it sure didn’t. Even if the Gators shade a safety toward George, he can still get over the top for a score.

Look for him to burn the Gators at least twice during the game, with one of them being a true bomb that changes the scoreboard.

Damari Brown, Miami Cornerback

One area in which Miami needs improvement is pass defense. Too many key third downs allowed and coverage errors from the 2023 season. To help change the narrative, the cornerback position has a rising sophomore with the talent to be a big-time player.

It’s as big a stage as Brown will play on and going against Eugene “Trey” Wilson III and Elihjah Badger will not make it easier. Both are talented enough to one day play in the NFL. There’s still reason to believe Brown will at least begin his journey to being one of Miami’s prime defenders.

He has the natural length and size few cornerbacks possess at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds. He’s coming from Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage where cornerback play is trained at an elite level. Above everything else, he’s a competitive young man who is ready to step forward.

Look for Florida quarterback Graham Mertz and the Gators to win their fair share of battles within the passing game. It’s about the big moments, however, that Brown will be a defensive back that shines. Look for his size and length to help keep Mertz from even making some throws because Brown defends his man well. Do not be surprised if he has an interception either.