While both the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators will look to re-establish their dominance in this historic college football rivalry, only one team can come out of Hard Rock Stadium victorious.
UM looks dangerous as an ACC contender with three wins on the trot, and also looks like serious CFB championship contenders come January. With both an explosive offense led by transfer quarterback Carson Beck and a formidable defense headlined by stars like Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, Miami looks like they could beat any team in college football right now.
On the other hand, Florida is reeling off back to back ugly losses, including a shock 18-16 loss against USF. The Gators defense has certainly been impressive to start the season, but if the offense can’t find any kind of rhythm again, then this matchup could turn ugly.
While Miami are clear favorites to win this game, history has proven that anything can happen when these two Florida powerhouses line up against one another. Here’s what to look out from Miami’s side of the field.
University of Miami X-Factor of the Week:
WR Joshisa Trader
Trader has had an injury riddled beginning to his sophomore season at Miami, missing the Hurricanes’ last two matchups against B-CU and USF. Nevertheless, his incredible top end speed could prove valuable against a Florida defense that has shown some vulnerability to the deep ball. Trader doesn’t have a particularly extensive career resume at the collegiate level, but with so much attention now being on other Miami receivers like CJ Daniels and Malachi Toney, he certainly has the potential to have a game changing performance against the Gators.
Miami’s Key Matchups:
Cornerbacks vs DJ Lagway
With Florida quarterback DJ Lagway coming off a dreadful five interception performance, Miami’s cornerback group will be looking to capitalize on a vulnerable Gators passing game. The Hurricanes have notched an interception in each of their first three games, and the likes of defensive backs such as Jakobe Thomas and Xavier Lucas will look to continue that streak this Saturday. If Lagway continues his turnover woes against Miami, the methodical Hurricanes offense could completely dominate time of possession.
Running Backs vs Florida linebackers
Miami’s running back room is headlined by junior Mark Fletcher Jr., who has had a fantastic start to his 2025 campaign with over 250 rushing yards and four touchdowns. If the combination of Fletcher, CharMar Brown, and Girard Pringle Jr can wear down the Gators’ linebackers down, they may be able to get past the second level of the defense and break off big chunk plays on the ground.
Miami vs Florida Football: A Quick History
- The Hurricanes won the very first matchup between the two squads in October of 1938, defeating the Gators in a 19-7 low scoring affair.
- In 2003, the Hurricanes overcame a 33-10 deficit to beat Florida 38-33, with ex-UF quarterback Brock Berlin throwing for three touchdown passes.
- After kicking a late garbage time field goal against Miami in 2008, the Gators were heavily criticized since the extra score allowed UF to beat the 22.5 point spread.
- In their last matchup between UM and UF, Miami emerged victorious in a 41-17 blowout, with quarterback Cam Ward passing for over 350 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Miami has a winning record against the Gators in their all-time record, narrowly leading the series 30-27.
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