Both Miami and Florida took care of business in Week 1 against patsies they were supposed to handle, but it’s not going to be quite so easy this weekend, in all likelihood. The Gators have the significantly higher national profile at the moment, but they are not heavy favorites to walk into Miami and grab a victory.
How to watch Florida vs. Miami 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
This is the Hurricanes’ potential big break -- a win here and they are back on the national radar.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Hurricanes’ offense was as advertised in the romp over Florida Atlantic, offering a glance at the multitude of concerns Florida’s defense will have to contend with on Saturday. Miami could be on the verge of turning a corner in Al Golden’s third season, and there will be no better indicator one way or the other than how the Hurricanes fare against one of the SEC’s heavyweights.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Florida maintains its high standing in the polls, while Miami continues to fly under the radar in that regard. The Hurricanes own a 28-26 all-time record against Florida, though these teams have met just five times since 1987 (two of those meetings were in bowl games), which is a bummer.
Vegas: Florida opened as a two-point favorite, and the over/under was set initially at 49 points.
Weather: The high in Miami is expected to hit the high-80s, and there is some chance of rain with scattered thunderstorms in the area.
Three names to know
Duke Johnson -- Granted, the competition was not so great, but if Johnson’s performance against Florida Atlantic was any indication, he’s in for a big sophomore season. Johnson ran for a career-high 186 yards and also had a 38-yard reception. He didn’t even play the entire game since Miami had the game well in hand by the end of the third quarter.
Jeff Driskel -- Driskel’s first year as the starter in Gainesville was solid if unspectacular, but the Gators may need more out of him in this game, and during this season in general. He’ll be a good early litmus test for a Hurricanes defense that was dreadful in most respects last season.
Stephen Morris -- In another year, Morris might be getting a little more attention within the ACC, but the league has good depth at quarterback this year, led by Tajh Boyd. Morris can be as good as anyone else in the league, and he’s definitely good enough to lead Miami to a win over Florida.
Two things at stake
This contest obviously has no bearing on either team’s conference record, but it will go a long way toward defining their profiles nationally. Florida can’t afford to lose here if it wants to entertain an improbable run to the BCS national title game. Miami could enter the top 25 with a win and end up staying there for good.
There’s also the matter of a little state pride, and as these things go, the game might be a bit more important to Miami, which has been trying to escape mediocrity for the better part of a decade. The outcome will be another selling point the winning team can use in recruiting, as well.
How to witness
TV: ESPN (Noon ET)
Online streaming: ESPN3
Further reading
For more on Florida, check out Alligator Army. Find premier Miami coverage on State of the U.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
