Miami Hurricanes (1-0) at Florida Gators (1-0)
The state of Florida will be focused on Gainesville, Saturday. For the first time since 1987, the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators will meet in a regular season contest. The two did play in the 2001 Sugar Bowl, with the Hurricanes coming out on top 37-20. Both teams are 1-0 heading into this matchup. The Hurricanes crushed Florida A&M, 63-17, while the Gators took apart UAB, 51-3 in Ron Zook's head coaching debut. The Hurricanes own the nations longest winning streak at 23 games.
Ken Dorsey became the school's all-time winningest quarterback last week and will look to add to that in what will be a much tougher opponent. Dorsey took most of the game off against the Rattlers, as he attempted just 13 passes, before grabbing a clip board. Converted receiver Jason Geathers did most of the damage on the ground, gaining 199 yards on 22 carries. Willis McGahee, who should play a bigger part this week, carried six times for 60 yards and one touchdown. Speedster Andre Johnson is the teams leading receiver, but watch for Roscoe Parrish, another burner, who scored a rushing and receiving touchdown last week.
The Canes defense allowed 17 points in week one. That happened just three times all of last season. Tackle William Joseph will anchor the line. Starting end Jerome McDougle is questionable, after pulling a muscle. Jonathan Vilma is the teams top linebacker and heads the front seven. The secondary is solid, but might be without Kelly Jennings, who was injured against the Rattlers. The Canes will need a strong pass rush to overcome the Gators big passing game.
Rex Grossman is at it again. After throwing for more than 4,100 yards last season, the junior threw for 337 yards in the opener. Senior running back Earnest Graham had a good start, rushing for 182 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Wideout Taylor Jacobs set a Gator record, catching eight passes for a whopping 246 yards and two touchdowns. The trio is as explosive as any in the country.
The Gators defense will be improved over last season. Ian Scott and Darrell Lee will anchor the line. Mike Nattiel and Byron Hardmon are solid linebackers, who are very active. Something they'll need to be this week against the powerful Hurricanes offense. Todd Johnson leads a fine secondary. The Gators have just five returning starters from last years defense, but lost just eight lettermen.