Miami, FL – After months of anticipation, the wait is nearly over for the Miami Hurricanes as they kick off their 2024 season, week-1 against the Florida Gators. The preview alluded to the fact that UF will serve as an early test, potential revenge for 2019. Back then the Canes lost 24-20 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. UM dominated the time of possession but let the win slip right through their fingers. Miami intends to return to prominence starting with their in-state rivals.
ONE WEEK AWAY 🙌#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/nZFxfNR1NA
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) August 24, 2024
The season opener will be an excellent glimpse into coach Mario Cristobal’s efforts, particularly in the offseason with the portal. In fact, most of the guys that will be covered in the primer are new faces. The time for talk is over, both the program and coach Cristobal know how pivotal the year is. As noted, I predict a 10-win season with their business trip in Gainesville being the first victory of many. Anything less is a setback UM cannot afford. Without further ado here are the players to watch.
Miami Hurricanes
Cameron Ward
"The O-Line and D-Line is gonna be the reason why we're going to be able to win a lot of football games this year."@CanesFootball's Cam Ward showing love to his teammates 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9dcQ4nLbaD
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) August 28, 2024
The signal caller will be leading it off. It doesn’t cease to amaze me that without taking a regular-season snap he was selected for ACC pre-season player of the year. Considering the competition, it’s a noticeable accolade and speaks of his talent. The Gators are far from the stingiest defense in the country and all reporting gives the impression the quarterback should have no problem lighting them up. Although there’s likely rust to shake off and the team may at times look shaky during the inaugural contest, it’s not out of the realm of possibility Cam Ward throws for over 250 yards and three touchdowns.
Damien Martinez
This Miami Hurricanes offense is absolutely loaded.
• QB Cam Ward
• WR Xavier Restrepo
• WR Jacolby George
• WR Samuel Brown (one of the more underrated WRs in the country)Oh, and Damien Martinez at RB ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cyLKE40LGY
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) June 28, 2024
The Hurricanes are once more blessed with a balanced attack. Far from a one-dimensional offense, the Canes can not only air it out and overwhelm opposing secondaries but can also punish the defense on the ground. Damien Martinez is the unit’s top running back and he will not disappoint. For those not aware, Martinez rushed for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns last year. If that isn’t enough to raise your hopes, Martinez had six 100-yard games in 2023. I don’t know if he’ll match that or surpass it with Ward’s prominence but he will be a beast regardless.
Elijah Alston
As a bonus, new Miami EDGE rusher Elijah Alston goes right through the backside TE and RB, with NC State sliding rest of the line away from him. Alston’s spin move is going to be fun. pic.twitter.com/KpSPz1lyaT
— Jeremy Marks-Peltz (@JMP1063) February 17, 2024
Switching to the other side of the ball let’s bring some focus on that defensive line. Elijah Alston transferred from Marshall totaling 108 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one INT through five seasons with the Thundering Herd. Alston brings much experience and value as a veteran who can be an edge rusher or be in a different position if needed. Versatility aside, Alston’s work ethic has been praised, and has a history with defensive coordinator Lance Guidry.
Reuben Bain Jr
Quarterbacks are having nightmares knowing Reuben Bain is coming pic.twitter.com/bzriSONHIn
— Just Means Less ACC (@FQACC) August 14, 2024
Bring in the Bain Train! Reuben Bain dominated last season earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, compiling 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Now with a year under his belt, I am excited to see how he continues his development. The front seven will pressure opposing offenses and Bain will be a big reason why. To have this sort of presence in the defensive line is an absolute boon for the Miami Hurricanes, and Cristobal will continue to utilize the fella’s athleticism.
Florida Gators
Graham Mertz
Graham Mertz is also dangerous throwing on the run to his right, even hitting explosives, which were few and far between for the Gators last year.
Whoever rotates as the force players for Miami (Bain, Baron, Mesidor) can’t get sucked up inside on play fakes like this. pic.twitter.com/4IJAGL2FnO
— Jeremy Marks-Peltz (@JMP1063) August 27, 2024
This Gators QB will be the defense’s first test of the season. Graham Mertz hit roughly 73% of his passes totaling 2,903 yards and 20 TDs. Mertz only threw three picks. He is not a dual threat, but unlike other signal callers, who largely stay on one or two guys, the 23-year-old can spread it around. The former Wisconsin Badger had a good debut for Florida and his experience has only grown, finishing at the top of the SEC in completion rate. Mertz no longer has Ricky Pearsall (drafted to the NFL). However, he does have Eugene Wilson III.
Eugene Wilson
Can't wait to watch Eugene Wilson III this season🔥
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 20, 2024
Last year Eugene Wilson was the second-leading wide receiver behind Pearsall—no more. Wilson will be Mertz’s go-to guy after compiling 61 receptions in 2023 complemented by a team-leading six touchdowns. Reporting states the athlete has excellent run-catch skills, meaning if Mertz locates his teammate the Canes might be the victim of an explosive play. He has the speed to peel away on his route making terrific catches down the field. In ’23 Wilson averaged nearly nine yards a catch. This will likely change now that he’s the WR1.
Montrell Johnson
Montrell Johnson Jr RB1 SZN🚀
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 12, 2024
The Florida Gators ground game will revolve around Montrell Johnson Jr., who becomes the top running back after Trevor Etienne’s transfer to Georgia. Johnson can chew up yardage in the rush down the field although his success will depend on how well the O-line holds. UF allowed 22 more sacks and averaged 1.24 fewer yards per carry than in 2022. If Miami wins the trenches battle, Johnson will have a quiet day.
Shemar James
Shemar James pic.twitter.com/W6m5VTFVOd
— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) March 19, 2024
The linebacker returns after finishing second on the team with 54 tackles over eight games. Shemar James missed time due to a knee injury and looks to stay healthy the entire year. Without him, the defense was significantly weakened losing out on his physicality. Entering his third year, James will be one of the leaders on defense. South Carolina transfer Grayson “Pup” Howard will start alongside making a potent duo. James’ ability to locate and chase down the ball will be a plus for a defense that may continue to struggle especially right out of the gates against a high-powered unit such as Miami.
Prediction
Florida allowed an average of 38.2 points during the last five games of the 2023 season. Coach Billy Napier has changed personnel and made attempts to revamp the defense, however, it may not be enough. The Gators could experience their fourth straight losing season. On top of that Florida will endure one of the most brutal schedules in college football starting with the Hurricanes. For Week 1, Miami’s biggest threat is Graham Mertz, and they need to make him as uncomfortable as possible.
The defense will need to stop Mertz at all costs otherwise UM’s first dub will be in doubt. I think this will be a shootout with the Canes emerging on top by a score of 41-34.
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