Florida (1-2) at No. 4 Miami (3-0), Saturday, 7:30, ABC
Latest line: Miami is favored by 7 1/2 points
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes Writer: Miami 38, Florida 20
There are two ways this game could go. If Florida continues to look discombobulated, undisciplined and mistake-prone, Miami will run away with this game. If the Gators finally harness their talent, it will be relatively close. But even if UF manages that, No. 4 Miami is still likely the better team. Carson Beck, a familiar UF foe, has been accurate and proficient at quarterback. The Hurricanes have been dominant in the trenches. Their defense looks much better than last year’s, which held a Graham Mertz-led Florida squad to 17 points. If everything goes right for the Gators, maybe they can keep pace with the Hurricanes for a while. Unfortunately for the Gators, nothing has been going right.
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel Sports Columnist: Miami 27, Florida 13
Miami has answered plenty and built good confidence in these opening weeks. Now it gets a Florida team that can’t find its footing in getting upset by South Florida and beaten by LSU. No reason to think the Hurricanes don’t keep their strong start going at home against the struggling Gators.
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel Sports Columnist: Miami 35, Florida 14
Miami is not only the best team in the state; they might be the best team in the country and they will send a thunderous message to that effect on Saturday. The Hurricanes roll into Week 4 with a 3-0 start, a top-4 national ranking, and a team that just shredded USF by 37. Yes, the same USF that beat the Gators in the Swamp the week prior. Florida’s defense might keep it close for a while, but UF’s struggling offense, led by deer-in-the-headlights quarterback D.J. Lagway, is beyond bad. Expect relentless pressure and a three-touchdown margin as Mario Cristobal proves UM made the right hire four years ago while the Gators made the wrong one in Billy Napier.
Edgar Thompson, Florida Gators Writer: Miami 37, Florida 17
The Hurricanes dominate the Gators again to put Billy Napier’s future in peril. Last year Cam Ward dissected Florida’s defense. This time, Georgia transfer Caron Beck wins his third straight game against Florida, while Rueben Bain and Co. harass struggling sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway and bottle up Napier’s attack. The loss drops UF to 1-3 for the first time in nearly 40 years and moves rival Miami to 4-0 for the second straight season.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Miami 27, Florida 20
On paper, this game doesn’t appear to be close. But with Billy Napier’s job on the line after another disappointing start, the Gators should play hard for their coach. The ship seems to be sinking fast in Gainesville as the Gators have failed to live up to expectations once again. Quarterback DJ Lagway is coming off a horrific game at LSU with five interceptions, but UF’s defense played well. The Hurricanes are rolling with two top-20 wins and have their sights set on competing for a national championship. With ESPN’s “College GameDay” on hand, UM will be extra motivated.
