Cane Country or Gator Country: The Rivalry

Written by guest columnist Tyler Freeman

Miami Al GoldenSaturday, September 7th at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens marks the first meeting between Miami and Florida since 2008, and after their 2013 meeting it may be awhile until these programs meet again. According to University of Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, the university is sacrificing almost 700,000 dollars by playing this game and losing what is usually an extra home game. Foley hinted that if these two teams play again in future years it would most likely have to be at a neutral site. For the sake of college football rivalries let’s hope they figure it out.

So, which team is going to take the crown in this year’s rivalry game and compete for the in-state title against Florida State?

Junior Gator Quarterback Jeff Driskel has all the tools to be successful. So does Miami’s starting play-caller, Stephen Morris. The difference? Morris has never played in a collegiate postseason game. Miami voluntarily held itself out of a bowl game the last two years in anticipation of NCAA sanctions. Morris can make some believers out of those who doubt Miami, who currently sits at number 27 in the AP Power Rankings that came out today. With a win against the Gators on Saturday, the Hurricanes would surely make their way into the AP Top 25. Driskel, however, has been a steady choice for Will Muschamp and continues to show improvement week by week.

Both Quarterbacks rely on an explosive running attack that accounts for most of the teams’ offensive numbers. The Canes Randy “Duke” Johnson Jr. rushed for 947 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in his freshmen campaign, arguably the best season ever for a freshmen in a rich Hurricane football program. Duke picked up right where he left off in week 1 this season. Against Florida Atlantic University, The Duke busted out with an 186 yard performance on a mere 19 carries, that is a solid 9.8 yards per rush average, leading the nation.

The Gators’ running attack has been equally impressive under Muschamp – regardless of who is running the ball. The most recent Gator back was Miami Dolphins fifth round draft pick Mike Gillislee. Taking the starting half back position after Gillislee was supposed to be Sophomore, Matt Jones, however Jones was battling a viral infection that kept him out week 1 against Toledo. Filling in for Jones was impressive Redshirt Junior Mack Brown. Brown rushed for 112 yards on 25 carries, accounting for two scores. Perhaps the return of Jones will bring an even more dynamic backfield to the Gator offense, but maybe Mack Brown remains the starter. What we do know is that both backs are capable of putting up numbers for the Gators and will both likely be part of the offensive scheme for Will Muschamp not only this week but future weeks to come.

As for the defense of the Hurricanes, Al Golden has been high on the physicality of his linebackers. For Goldens’ sake the LB core better step their game up against the rushing attack the Gators are going to bring into Miami. They will also need to see another solid performance from Senior safety Kacy Rodgers II. Last week against FAU he recorded a sack and forced fumble, leading the Hurricane secondary with four tackles. Gator Nation is also hoping that defensive stars have big days, especially Antonio Morrison, a sophomore linebacker who accounted for 27 tackles in 2012. Morrison is fresh off a suspension that was originially supposed to be 2 games for being arrested two times in a five week period earlier this summer. However, Will Muschamp had a change of heart and Morrison will be back just in time for Miami. Morrison is just one of six Gator players returning from suspensions due to disciplinary issues, the Gainesville Sun reports. Among the six players are starting cornerback Louchelz Purifoy, backup wide receiver Latroy Pittman, defensive tackles Darious Cummings and offensive lineman Quinteze Williams.

Prediction: Florida Gators 35 – Miami Hurricanes 28

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