By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The University of Florida is set to open their regular season against Miami on Saturday at 3 PM at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It is Billy Napier and Mario Cristoball’s third season at their respective programs.

Though it’s just Week 1, there’s a lot on the line for both teams, particularly with their head coaches. Both Billy and Mario have a lot to prove to fans and athletic departments in their third seasons, with losing records.

For Napier and the Gators, wins are scarce this season, as they face the toughest schedule in the country.

For Cristobal and Miami, the competition gets more manageable after Saturday. Neither coach wants to take a loss right off the bat.

Is the Florida defense strong enough to win tough games like this? They started strong last season but crashed soon after.

The Gators should be better this year, but the Hurricanes are far stronger offensively thanks to former Washington State Cougar Cam Ward.

Ward might be the best quarterback transfer in the 2024 cycle. He has all the tools and experience, and he gets the ball out of his hands in a hurry.

In addition, Oregon State running back Damien Martinez should be a star behind an improved Hurricanes offensive line that should dominate the trenches against the rebuilt Gators front.

On the other side of the ball, Miami’s defensive front is undergoing a bit of an overhaul. They have several talented players that might take time to acclimate.

Florida’s offensive line has been an issue over the last few years. Injuries are the Gator’s biggest problem, but their roster has improved through the transfer portal, and the health concerns are okay as of Week 0.

The Hurricane secondary, like the line, will be good, but it’s counting on a slew of transfers to rise up and perform right away.

Florida needs to get QB Graham Mertz going quickly after he completed 73% of his throws for close to 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

So, this all comes down to…Which defensive front can be more disruptive?

Miami has the pieces in place to finally win with Mario Cristobal, but The Canes are about to face 2023 Week 3 University of Florida.

That team rose up and rocked defensively in an energy-charged win over Tennessee, and it’s about to happen again in week 1 of 2024.

The Florida defense will hold on in the fourth quarter, and Mertz will be just a bit better than Ward.

Miami is the team playing with more pressure to play well, given the NIL investment that have been made on both sides of the ball.

Florida 31 Miami 27.

This keeps the fans off of Billie‘s back for a few weeks until the gators face Texas A&M at home during week 3.

I think Miami finishes first or second in the ACC and still has a shot at the college football playoffs even with this loss.