Week Zero Preview: Florida Gators vs Miami Hurricanes
By: Tony Thomas
August 21, 2019
Its game week! 2 games are on the slate for Saturday, August 24th. I will preview these games separately. Lets begin with Florida vs Miami, a “neutral” site game in Orlando, FL.
The Gators are coming off a 10-3 season and a 41-15 beat down of Michigan in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. They have 5 starters returning on offense and experience at the skill positions: QB Felipe Franks, RB LaMical Perine, and WR Van Jefferson. Florida scored 40 or more points 5 times last year. But, the Gators lose significant experience on the offensive line, which is a big concern.
On defense, Florida returns 8 starters from a unit that was tied for 1st in the SEC (with LSU) in turnover margin. They return 3 starters on the defensive line, 1 starter at linebacker, and their entire secondary returns. However, the Gators have lost a lot depth over the spring and summer due to transfers and dismissals from the team.
via Miami will start a redshirt freshman QB in Jarran Williams against the Gators. Williams beat out both N’Kosi Perry and Tate Martell to win the job. The Canes are coming off a 7-6 season and 35-3 crushing defeat at the hands of Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl.
The offensive line brings back 2 starters, and the running backs will be inexperienced. But, 3 of the top 4 receivers return.
On defense, the strength of the unit will be the all senior LB corps, led by Shaq Quarterman (82 tackles, 6 sacks, 8 TFL). Michael Pinkney (74 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL) and Zac McCloud (44 tackles) are the other LB’s.
Florida is a 7 point favorite in this game. Florida has more experience and more weapons at the skill positions. My pick to win: Florida.
Thanks for reading.
Material for this article sourced from: http://thelines.com, Phil Steele’s 2019 College Football Preview, vol.25, pages 1-352; http://sports-reference.com,
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