Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Florida Gators are coming off an ugly 24-6 win against the Toledo Rockets. Will Muschamp took over this team following the Urban Meyer show. While Meyer had an offense that lit the world on fire, Muschamp has a defense that does the same — almost.
On the other side of the field, the Miami Hurricanes are coming off a 34-6 victory against in-state foe, Florida Atlantic. The Hurricanes are a much-improved team from their 7-5 finish in 2012. Al Golden might have his best squad in place since becoming the head coach two years ago.
Florida’s offense wasn’t quite up to par last season with Jeff Driskel as the starter. The 2013 season will see the same guy under center and after week one, the jury is still out on whether he is improved. Driskel finished with 153 yards passing and a touchdown. He will need to get the ball down the field more if the Gators want to have a fighting shot in the SEC.
The Miami Hurricanes have a talented running back that goes by the name Duke Johnson. The offense was pedestrian in 2012 and now that Johnson is one year older, he could have a Heisman-type season. Duke ran for 186 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Stephen Morris passed for 160 yards and a touchdown while leading the Hurricanes to 502 total yards.
Miami’s defense was rock-solid in week one a year after the defense was one of the worst in the nation. The Hurricanes allowed just 250 total yards to Florida Atlantic while forcing one turnover. Florida shut the Toledo Rockets down offensively, holding them to just 205 yards total and just 50 yards on the ground.
Florida will travel in-state to take on Miami in a week two battle at 12 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 7. The game will be aired on ESPN.
PREDICTION: Florida 21, Miami 24
Related: Miami Preview
Gators Lack Offensive Skill Players
Miami Has Great Opportunity Against Gators
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
