The Alligator sports editor Luke Adragna previews Florida football ahead of its matchup against the Hurricanes (@lukeadrag on X)
Time is ticking for the Florida Gators and head coach Billy Napier.
After an offseason characterized by confidence within the program and lofty expectations from outside, none of what many anticipated has come to fruition. The Gators are 1-2, suffered an upset loss to South Florida at home, and just recently lost to the No. 3 Louisiana State Tigers 20-10 in a five-interception performance by quarterback DJ Lagway.
Despite that, Napier has continued to harp that the Gators are “close”, and Florida players are embracing the challenge as the team heads south to play No. 4 Miami (3-0) on Saturday.
“We want all the smoke,” said Gators defensive back Jordan Castell. “We’re ready to play. It don’t matter who it is.”
The Hurricanes have looked like one of the most talented teams in the country. Miami is led by a cohort of veterans on each side of the ball that will pose a significant challenge for Florida. Here’s what to look out for on the Gators’ side of the field:
Florida X-factor of the week:
RB Jadan Baugh
After an impressive freshman season earning Freshman All-SEC honors, Baugh was named to the Paul Hornung and Doak Walker award watch lists heading into this season. However, in just three games, many are questioning Napier’s lack of usage of the talented running back.
Baugh heads into Miami with 37 carries for 243 yards and a touchdown. His impact has dwindled slightly throughout each game. After logging six carries in the first drive against South Florida, Baugh carried the ball just 12 more times that contest. Against LSU, he finished with just 10 carries.
The Atlanta, Georgia, native is quick-footed, has elite breakaway speed and can also be utilized in the passing game when schemed.
Against Miami’s talented defensive line, Baugh’s opportunities could be difficult to come by. Factoring in Florida’s recent offensive line struggles, the Gators could elect to use Baugh and backup running back Ja’Kobi Jackson as run-blockers and target them in screen plays in order to alleviate pressure on Lagway.
Gators’ key matchups:
Florida’s front seven vs. Miami’s offensive line
The Gators’ defensive line features a strong veteran presence along with a young, talented core. However, several questions have arisen throughout Florida’s first three games of the season.
The unit produced 19 sacks in its final four games of the 2024 season. But without redshirt senior Caleb Banks, who suffered a foot injury against LSU on Saturday, there will be more responsibility placed on unproven players.
“Still enough players to have a very effective group,” Napier said Wednesday. “I’m excited about what I see out of the young players in the group. Tavorise Brown and [Joseph] Mbatchou, obviously [Brendan] Bett. Brien Taylor Jr. It’s a good group.”
Through three games, Florida has logged just two sacks. Gators edge rushers George Gumbs Jr. and Tyreak Sapp are among the most impactful players on the front seven, but the unit will have to get past a proven Miami offensive line.
The ‘Canes unit ranks No. 11 in Pro Football Focus’ run-blocking grade. Right tackle Francis Mauigoa has led Miami’s top-rated offensive lineman through three games with an 81.4 offensive grade and an 83.8 run-blocking grade on PFF.
As a unit, the Hurricanes have allowed just four sacks through three games, and starting quarterback Carson Beck has only faced pressure on 11 of his 86 dropbacks.
Vernell Brown III vs. Miami secondary
Brown, a true freshman, has been one of the most eye-catching players on Florida’s roster this season. Despite Lagway being unable to throw all of spring due to a shoulder injury and participating in his first 11-on-11 drill just weeks before the season, it’s clear the two have already formed a reliable chemistry.
Through three games, Brown leads Gators’ pass catchers with 197 receiving yards on 16 catches. He is yet to add a touchdown, but has also played a significant role on special teams as the team’s primary returner.
He logged 70 return yards on four attempts in Florida’s opener. Against USF, he added a 40-yard punt return. And, against LSU, he totaled 43 return yards on three attempts.
“We were kind of expecting that because throughout the whole spring and the whole camp, he’s been doing it every day,” said wide receiver Eugene Wilson. “We’ve been seeing it. We were just waiting for him to have his moment to go out there and put it on tape.”
However, it will be an interesting challenge to watch Hurricanes safeties coach Will Harris, who left the Gators in 2024 for Miami, to scheme against his former team.
“You know he’s going to send pressure,” Castell said. “I already told them boys, just be ready.”
Miami’s secondary has logged an interception in each of its first three games and is matched up against Lagway, who has struggled significantly since Florida’s opener. He has just two touchdowns and six interceptions against FBS opponents.
Miami vs Florida Football: A Quick History
- Florida is 27-30 against the Hurricanes all-time.
- Miami won its most recent matchup against the Gators, 41-17, on Aug. 31, 2024.
- Florida hasn’t won in Miami since 1985, when it defeated the Hurricanes 35-23.
- Gators football has three Heisman Trophy winners in Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996) and Tim Tebow (2007). Miami has two in Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992).
- Florida football has never produced a first-overall pick. The Hurricanes have three No. 1 overall players, the most recent being quarterback Cam Ward (2025).
