Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Florida Gators are visiting the Miami Hurricanes for the first time since UF dominated the Canes 26-3 back in 2008. I’m sure Sun Life Stadium will be filled to the brim as usual. But let’s get past the obvious, here is your preview of the Saturday match-up.

Gators On Offense

Mack Brown obviously showed why he deserves carries whether Matt Jones is back or not (he will). Muschamp has said Jones will play against the Canes, it will just depend on how much. Coach Brent Pease was angry with the “vanilla” tag put on Florida’s offense. Driskel’s performance against Toledo wasn’t bad but a lot more will be needed to overcome Miami. Trey Burton was the leading receiver for the Gators last week; expect Driskel to continue to look for him until other receivers prove themselves. Quinteze Williams will be back from suspension.

Gators On Defense

Antonio Morrison, Loucheiz Purifoy, and Darious Cummings will be returning from suspensions. Purifoy and Watkins are both listed as the starting right corner. They will have the duty of covering Canes’ receivers Phillip Dorsett and Allen Hurns. Morrison returns but as a backup to Michael Taylor at middle linebacker. Cummings will be backing up Easley. I’m guessing the main point of Gators film/practice this week has been Canes’ RB Duke Johnson. Florida only gave up a total of 50 rushing yards to a good Toledo running game so as long as they stick to the plan, they should be able to stop the Miami RB who rushed for 186 yards against FAU in Week One. Dominque Easley will have to be disruptive early and the Gators linebackers must make tackles in the open field.

Canes On Offense

The Canes offense is a very explosive one. Running back Duke Johnson leads the NCAA in rushing yards (186) through one week. Johnson create big plays whenever he touches the ball and is smart behind the line. Under center for the Canes is senior QB Stephen Morris. In his first game this season he threw for 160 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Morris is seen as a top NFL prospect, but Canes Warning’s Matthew Osborne expressed his concern with the QB’s performance thus far. Morris is throwing to not an overly stellar wide receiver core, but one that has the speed and potential to burn the Gators.

Canes On Defense

Miami held FAU to six points in week one…But then again it’s FAU. The Canes did have an impressive five sacks against the Owls though. Last season the Canes had a horrendous defense and this will be their first real test this season. While their main concern will be stopping the one two punch of Matt Jones and Mack Brown, Osborne also expressed that Miami MUST stop Driskel, using a spy. The match-up of Gators offense vs. Canes defense will be the most telling of how far Miami will go this season.

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