Week 2: Miami at Florida

In previous years, this match-up could’ve meant a bid for a national title was on the line or both teams were ranked in the top five. Although the stakes are a little lower, bragging rights on are on the line in this Sunshine State showdown. The Gators should be one of the top five teams this year and every week is a must-win if they want to earn their second national title under coach Urban Meyer. Under second-year coach Randy Shannon, the ‘Canes are trying to work their way back into ACC title contention. Despite a disappointing 5-7 season, the ‘Canes pulled in one of the top recruiting classes and appear to be headed in the right direction.

After serving a one-game suspension, Robert Marve will get the nod under center for Miami. In his absence, true freshman Jacory Harris impressed against Charleston Southern and he is expected to see some snaps in this game. With two young quarterbacks and a lot of pressure on their shoulders, the offense needs to establish a running game. Javarris James and Graig Cooper should test the Gators front seven, but Marve or Harris will eventually have to hit some passes downfield to help open up some running lanes.

When the Gators have the ball, they have an array of weapons for quarterback Tim Tebow. The junior wasn’t asked to do much against Hawaii, but will play a bigger role in this game. As if stopping Tebow wasn’t enough, running backs Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps and Kestahn Moore should game-breaking ability last week. The ‘Canes have to find a way to slow down all of the Florida weapons, and force a few turnovers to put their offense in a position to get easy points.

Notes:

Florida has not defeated Miami since a 35-23 victory on September 7th, 1985. The Gators are also looking for their first victory over the ‘Canes in Gainesville since 1983.

In the overall series, the Hurricanes own a 28-25 edge. 25 games between these two schools have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Florida receiver Percy Harvin is still dealing with the effects from offseason heel surgery. The junior is considered probable for this game, but likely won’t play a full load of snaps.

The Hurricanes are expected to have defensive ends Eric Moncur and Allen Bailey back on the field for Saturday’s game. Neither player is expected to play a full game, but should help in limited situations.

Key Player (Hurricanes) – Robert Marve, QB

After watching Kirby Freeman and Kyle Wright struggle mightily last year, there is a lot of pressure on Marve’s shoulders. An opening week suspension means he will have zero playing experience going into this game. Even though Harris will see time, this redshirt freshman will get the start against a tough Florida defense.

Key Player (Gators) – Brandon Spikes, LB

The Gator defense didn’t miss Spikes against Hawaii, but the junior is one of the key pieces to defensive improvement in 2008. Meyer believes leadership on defense was a question mark last year and if Spikes can provide that, this should be one of the most improved units in the NCAA.

Florida by 24