College Football Preview: #8 Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes

Prediction

I am definitely going out on a limb here a little bit.

Coming in at eighth overall in the preseason AP poll, the Florida Gators are set to accomplish big things this upcoming season. Namely an SEC Championship game appearance and possible College Football Playoff selection. Dating back to 1986, Miami has defeated Florida in seven of the past eight meetings. The Canes also hold the series lead between the two programs, 29-26.

There is plenty of animosity between the two programs regardless of how the programs have fared over the last decade. These two teams don’t meet often and if you are well aware of high school football in the state, a game such as this has tremendous implications on that factor alone.

One team will take the field with an improved quarterback that has some wins under his belt. The other team will field a young quarterback that is facing the biggest game of his career. For the Miami Hurricanes to pull out a win here, defense and special teams will have to be sharp. Luckily for Williams, that is the case and the Hurricanes defense is outstanding. Williams is definitely talented but he also has to avoid critical mistakes.

The Florida Gators will look to run the ball and play the role of the aggressor when these two teams meet. But to be quite honest, this game may mean a lot more to one team than the other. For Florida, beating Georgia and getting to the SECCG has a lot more emphasis. For Miami, beating the Gators to make a clear statement is on the agenda.

Score: Miami 24 – Florida 16