ICMYI: 5-star from Gators to Miami hurricanes confirm today

The extended offseason has come to an end, and Florida is gearing up to face Miami in just a few days. Here are three crucial factors for the Gators as they aim to defeat their archrival, the Hurricanes.

Play With Confidence

The last two seasons have been tumultuous for the Gators, with last year ending on a particularly low note. The team lost its final five games, missing out on bowl eligibility. A series of decommitments hurt their recruiting class, and they lost key playmakers on both sides of the ball—both of whom transferred to teams on their 2024 schedule. Billy Napier responded by firing assistants for the first time in his career, and he spent the offseason topping many hot seat lists.

Given all the adversity, it would be easy for the team to retreat into a shell. Napier himself has shown a tendency to be conservative under pressure. But that would be a huge mistake.

Miami has significantly improved its roster since last year, largely through the transfer portal. What once looked like a toss-up game around New Year’s has now turned into a matchup where the Hurricanes are favored, even on the road. With many in the media labeling UM as at least an ACC contender, and Florida predicted to struggle just to make a bowl game, the Gators are rightfully seen as the underdog.

The best way to combat this is to take the fight to the opponent. Be aggressive early and energize the crowd. Shift the pressure onto the other sideline, where Mario Cristobal has his own history of questionable game management decisions.

Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer had very different approaches to offense, but both shared one key trait: real swagger. They weren’t just out to win; they wanted to dominate.

Napier has yet to display much of that swagger. The closest he came was in the second half of last year’s South Carolina game, but a poor defensive performance forced his hand. When holding a big halftime lead against Tennessee, he opted to run the ball on all but four plays after the break. His laid-back demeanor off the field often carries over onto it.

This is easily the most talented team Napier has had in Gainesville. He himself has said that this is the first year where all systems are in place. Team chemistry seems solid, and there was only one off-field incident during the long nine months of the offseason. Despite how 2023 ended, things are looking up in many ways.

This is the best position the team has been in—so they need to act like it. Be the aggressor. Force Cristobal to make the tough decisions. There’s no excuse not to.

Contain Cam Ward

Cam Ward, the Washington State transfer, is known for his speed, agility, and elusiveness, but at his core, he’s a strong passer. He’s not inclined to run the ball frequently, instead using his mobility primarily to escape pressure and extend plays while keeping his focus downfield. His arm strength and accuracy make him particularly dangerous on intermediate and deep throws.

Although he can take advantage of deep opportunities, he doesn’t do so recklessly. Wisconsin, for instance, managed to limit his deep throws by covering those routes well and forcing him to check down. Despite their poor overall performance, this strategy kept Ward in check for much of their matchup.

In the Apple Cup, Ward showcased both his strengths and weaknesses. Washington tried to put him under pressure, but he managed to keep many plays alive longer than most quarterbacks could. This was a significant factor in why the Cougars only narrowly lost to the Huskies.

However, Ward did face challenges under pressure, particularly given his offensive line’s struggles. There were also some miscommunications with his receivers, which led to an interception. These issues were less common earlier in the season. Ward’s performance often improves in front of supportive crowds, though he faced a loud environment at Washington, which may have contributed to his difficulties.

Ward performed well at Oregon, another loud stadium, but Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is even larger and louder, which could impact his play. If Florida manages to keep Ward contained and prevents big plays, they could neutralize his most effective attributes. This will be challenging, but the large crowd could play a significant role in influencing the game.

Run Things Smoothly

Last year, Florida looked unusually unprepared for Game 1 against Utah, with some excuses about travel disruptions due to Hurricane Idalia lingering into November. However, that issue is now resolved.

With the new coach-to-helmet communication system in place for both offense and defense, and a special teams analyst from the Patriots added in the offseason, the Gators should operate more smoothly. Billy Napier is entering his third year, and there should be fewer snaps for true freshmen compared to last season.

Regardless of the game results, the team should look more organized this year. Even if the offense has a three-and-out, substitutions should be seamless, and plays should be executed without issues related to the play clock. Every unit—offense, defense, and special teams—should have exactly 11 players on the field at all times.

While this is a basic expectation for a program in its third year under a coach, it’s still a crucial step. For the Gators to have a chance against the Hurricanes, they must avoid self-sabotage and focus on executing their game plan effectively.