The Miami Hurricanes kicked off their 2024 college football season with a bang, defeating their longtime rival, the Florida Gators, with a stunning 41-17 score on the road.
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As one of the top contenders for the ACC title, Miami not only reinforced their status but also entered the conversation for the national championship.
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Following this impressive win, the No. 19 ranked Hurricanes are poised to rise in the rankings heading into Week 2, and they’ve certainly earned it.
Leading Miami’s offense was newcomer Cam Ward, who shined with 385 passing yards and three touchdowns in his debut. His performance has already made waves in the Heisman Trophy discussions.
In celebration, Ward even took a playful jab at the Gators with the iconic Florida Gator chomp gesture.
Xavier Restrepo also had a standout game, surpassing 100 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown. The Hurricanes dominated early, taking a 24-10 lead by halftime and pulling away with two quick touchdowns in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game.
Florida’s highlight came in the second quarter when Montrell Johnson sprinted for a 71-yard touchdown. Unfortunately for the Gators, they struggled to maintain momentum, especially after quarterback Graham Mertz exited the game due to a hard hit following an interception.
True freshman DJ Lagway stepped in for Mertz and showed some promise by leading a scoring drive that marked Florida’s final points. Given Lagway’s status as a top dual-threat quarterback recruit, he may see increased playing time as the season progresses, especially if Mertz’s injury lingers.
This victory isn’t just another win for Miami; it’s a bold statement. While it’s early in the season, the Hurricanes have displayed the talent and resolve necessary to make a deep playoff run.
Their schedule looks promising, with only one ranked team, the Florida State Seminoles—who recently suffered an upset loss to Georgia Tech—on the calendar.
With Ward at the helm and a talented roster, Miami could be setting the stage for a remarkable season. It’s still early, but it feels like “The U” may indeed be making its return.
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