By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

After all of the talking, all the predicting and all of the back and forth from both fan bases on Social Media, it’s finally here: The Miami Hurricanes and The Florida Gators kick off this Saturday.

The eyes of the College Football world will be watching Gators vs Canes when they face off at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL on August 24th.  Let’s breakdown the kick off to the 150th season of College Football.

MIAMI OFFENSE vs. FLORIDA DEFENSE

Miami just announced that they are starting redshirt Freshman Jarren Williams.

Every football fan knows the best way to take pressure off a young quarterback is run the football. Establishing the run game early is vital for the Hurricanes success in this contest.

The Hurricanes rushing attack begins with junior Deejay Dallas. Dallas had an outstanding sophomore season, compiling a team best 1,260 all-purpose yards.

Promising sophomore Cam’Ron Harris is expected to back up Dallas. However, I believe the battle will be between the Hurricanes offensive line and the Gators front seven, and whether or not Miami can run the ball.

Miami is starting a true Freshman Zion Nelson at left tackle, and redshirt Freshman John Campbell at right tackle.

Florida lost Jachai Polite, but the defensive line is 9 deep with seasoned SEC players. Todd Grantham (D-coordinator) will disguise his schemes to confuse the young QB and tackles.

The question is, can Dan Enos (Miami O-coordinator) take advantage of Grantham’s aggressive style?

Miami has explosive receivers in Jeff Thomas, Mike Harley, and Buffalo transfer KJ Osborn.  They will match up against two top corners in CJ Henderson and Marco Wilson.

One advantage for Miami in this matchup is Tight End; Breven Jordan and Will Mallory against Florida’s Linebackers David Reese and Amari Burney. Florida has always had problems with Tight Ends.

FLORIDA OFFENSE vs. MIAMI DEFENSE

This is the match up I’m looking forward to watching: Head Coach vs. Head Coach.

Miami’s front seven is probably the greatest strength for Manny Diaz and his team. The Hurricanes return their starting Linebackers Shaquille Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McClould.

On the defensives line for Miami, Junior defensive ends Jonathan Garvin and Trevon Hill are looking to take full advantage of Florida’s new starters at both tackles.

If Miami has a weakness, it is in their secondary; where the Canes have to replace 3 starters from last season.

Florida’s offense will ride or die in this game behind Feleipe Franks.

Florida is loaded with skilled players like Lamical Perine, Van Jefferson, Kadarius Toney (Tag Positions) and many more. The question is can Florida’s inexperienced offense line hold up against Miami’s front seven.

Florida’s offensive line coach, Dan Hevesy will earn his paycheck in this contest.

Florida has four new starters on the offensive line; Stone Forsythe (LT), Brett Heggie (LG), Chris Bleich (RG) and Jean Delance (RT) (Delance sustained an injury in camp and is questionable for Saturday’s game). Depth is an issue; Florida doesn’t have a true utility lineman among the reserves.

COACHES

I’ll keep this one short and sweet. This is the first game for Manny Diaz as a head coach with an entirely new offensive staff.

PREDICTION

This game gives me deja vu of Florida opener in 2017 versus Michigan.

Florida starting a redshirt freshman quarterback against a tough veteran defense.

I believe Florida’s defense controls the game long enough for Florida’s offensive line to wear out Miami’s front seven.

Feleipe Franks has a big game with his arm and legs throwing for 2 scores and running for another. Florida 31 Miami 17.