If you were not aware, College football is going on this weekend. While there are just two games of significance, I think a preview is in order.

Miami vs Florida

Betting Line: Florida -7

Over/Under: 46

Analysis:

Florida did a bit better than most expected last season as they went 10-3. The Gators also return numerous key players from last season. Feleipe Franks has his shortcoming at quarterback but is still solid as a runner and has a strong arm. The Gators also have a serious depth of receivers for Franks to throw to. Van Jefferson, Kadarius Toney, and Tyrone Cleveland will be tough to cover for Miami’s mostly inexperienced secondary. If Franks can be accurate with the ball, Florida’s receivers could have a field day. The key to this game for Florida and where I am most concerned for them offensively is how their offensive line will block Jonathan Garvin and Miami’s defensive line as well as their absolutely loaded linebacking corps. Florida returns just one starter from last season on the offensive line and has some players being thrust into spots they probably are not ready for. Lamical Perine and Florida’s backfield need to be able to fight through tackles well. The offensive line and tight ends will also need to scheme well for their blocking assignments. The easiest way Florida could lose this game is by letting Miami get in the backfield quickly. Florida can not afford to have the run game hampered or to have Franks running around constantly to evade tacklers. On defense, Florida has a pretty strong defensive line of their own led by Jabari Zuniga and Kyree Campbell that is playing against a fairly inexperienced Miami offensive line. If they can get a good pass rush and rattle Miami’s new starting quarterback, it can make things extremely hard for the Hurricanes on offense. Florida also boasts one of the best secondaries in the country and an outstanding cornerback duo in CJ Henderson and Marco Wilson. If they can be sound in coverage, it can make Miami’s offense really struggle for yards. If Florida can overcome their disadvantage at offensive line, they should definitely win this game.

Miami is trotting out a new quarterback for this season that has just three pass attempts in his career. Despite his inexperience, Jarren Williams is clearly someone the coaches think highly of and have put their trust in. Williams will not be given an easy game to start with as Florida will have a good pass rush and very good cornerbacks. Williams will need to limit his freshman mistakes if the Hurricanes want to move the ball through the air well at all. The offensive line also needs to hold their own. This unit has three new starters and does not show many signs of being able to consistently contain a strong Florida defensive line. Running backs DeeJay Dallas and Cam’Ron Harris need to be reliable in terms of getting yards. If Williams can lean on them at least in the early parts of the game to find his footing, it can help the offense tremendously. Miami’s receiving corps will need to create separation against a very good Florida secondary. The goal for Miami’s offense should be to put as little pressure on Williams as possible. The receivers, offensive line, and running backs all will have to play a part in that. Tight end Brevin Jordan is a player that needs to do well also. If he can add things in the run blocking game and be reliable when catching short passes, it will make life much easier for this offense. Defensively, Miami should plan to attack a Florida offensive line that has many new faces. Jonathan Garvin, Trevon Hill, and Pat Bethel should be able to get consistent pressure and I am sure the Hurricanes will plan to blitz their linebackers early and often. Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney, and Zach McCloud make up an outstanding linebacking corps that should lead this defense. If they can force Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks to react quickly, mistakes will inevitably be made by him and it will give the defensive backs some breathing room. Florida has plenty of receiver talent which does not bode very well for a younger Miami secondary. Trajan Bandy and Al Blades will have their hands full at cornerback but they are not vastly overmatched. This game could end up being a defensive slugfest and if so, kicker Bubba Baxa and punter Louis Hedley need to step up.

Prediction:

If you want to watch some talented defenses battle it out, this game is for you. I expect this game to come down to a few big plays and for Florida to win 20-14. I expect Miami to still cover the spread.

Arizona at Hawaii

Betting Line: Arizona -11

Over/Under: 74

Analysis:

Hawaii surprised some people last season by going 8-6 and having their first winning season since 2010. The Rainbow Warriors found success last season with a new and improved offense. Quarterback Cole McDonald did quite well in his first season as a starter (he also played most of the season on a torn MCL which is insane). McDonald threw for 3,875 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. Hawaii’s offense is built on airing out the ball and using as much space as possible. While the Rainbow Warriors lose John Ursua at receiver, they have a strong duo still in Cedric Byrd and JoJo Ward. Arizona’s secondary is decent, but it is not good enough for Hawaii to not be able throw on. The Rainbow Warriors will likely use two main running backs and need to be able to run the ball well in spots. Hawaii returns every starting offensive lineman from last season and should do well at preventing a pass rush and also should help hold off Arizona’s linebacking corps which have some talent. Colin Schooler is a very good linebacker for Arizona and it will be nice for Hawaii to hold him off. Arizona does very well at creating big plays, and Hawaii’s defense needs to prevent that from happening. Kaimana Padello is a very good pass rusher and can make some big plays at defensive end. Good play from Padello will be needed in order to keep Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate on his toes. The Rainbow Warriors also will look to have good play at defensive tackle as both starters return. Solomon Matautia and Penei Pavihi will be a strong duo at linebacker and need to be able to step up and make plays. Hawaii has some inexperience at cornerback, but Arizona has more of the same at receiver. If big plays can be prevented and they do not let Tate and Taylor run with ease, they should be fine defensively.

Arizona had a disappointing 5-7 season in 2018. Khalil Tate is a dynamic player at quarterback who can beat teams through the air and on the ground especially. Tate and running back JJ Taylor have the ability to burn opposing defenses on the ground if they are not careful. The offensive line will need to play well and protect Tate, as that was not always a guarantee last season. The biggest concern on offense is at receiver as the Wildcats lose their top four receivers from last season and they have two true freshman slated to start at receiver. They need some receivers to step up and become reliable targets for Tate to throw to. On defense, they need to get pressure on a pass happy Hawaii offense. Defensive end Jalen Harris will be an important player in that regard. Colin Schooler is a beast of a middle linebacker and should also make plays stopping the run. If they can keep consistent pressure on Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald, they will have success defensively. Cornerbacks Lorenzo Burns and Jace Whittaker will need a good performance as will the entire secondary. Hawaii uses four wideouts in their offense and Arizona can not let Hawaii have a blatant matchup advantage in any spot. Any interceptions or forced fumbles will also be huge. If Arizona wins the turnover battle, I have extreme confidence they will win this game.

Prediction:

Arizona wins an exciting game 45-38. Hawaii does well and covers the spread.

To be notified when I post, follow my Instagram @impassionedsportsnerd. I am still putting out more previews for teams who start playing next week. I will post my Week 0 reactions after Week 1.

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