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It was one of the biggest games on the College Football schedule for Week 1 of the season. Two of the big power programs in the Sunshine State got together to start the season. The game went opposite directions for the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators.
Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes got off to a great start to the 2024 season. After being ranked 19th to open up the season, the Hurricanes led from start to finish and blew out in-state rival Florida 41-17.
The Hurricanes scored 31 points in the middle two quarters of the game. After three they led the game 38-10 and rolled from there.
We looked at the game and have five reasons why the Hurricanes blew out the Gators below:
1
Cam Ward is absolutely terrific
[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
This was a tremendous effort by Miami quarterback Cam Ward. He threw the football 35 times, completing 26 of them. He finished with just shy of 400 yards in the game. Ward threw three touchdown passes and did have an interception. The Hurricanes would take those numbers in every game this season, including their Week 2 game against Florida A&M.
2
Damien Martinez controlled the pace on the ground
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Martinez is going to fit in well in this offense. He was a massive pickup for the Hurricanes. The former Oregon State running back may not have put up massive numbers, but his 15 carries for 65 yards came at great times. He did have a 17 yard run as his longest, but his ability to move chains was huge for the Hurricanes.
3
Xavier Restrepo was unstoppable
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo was the best player on the field. He caught seven passes for 112 yards and a score in the game. He seemingly was open all night long, with no Gator defensive player able to slow him down. He was not alone in the receiving core, as Elijah Arroyo and Isaiah Horton were really good as well, combining for 169 yards in the game. That receiving core will be a problem for opposing defenses this season.
4
Graham Mertz was miserable for the Gators
[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
There were plenty of questions surrounding the former Wisconsin signal caller coming into the season. None of those questions went away after this game, and there are plenty more. The Gators have got to wonder if Mertz is the answer after the 0-1 start. Mertz finished 11 of 20 for 91 yards and did not score a touchdown. He also rushed 6 times for 3 yards in the game.
5
Florida had one offensive player shine
[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
Graham Mertz played poorly and his backup, DJ Lagway, was not real good either. The receivers tried to do what they could, but could not change the game. So, that left it up to Montrell Johnson. The running back rushed 11 times for 106 yards and a score. Florida loves what Johnson brings, but they are going to need much more going forward.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/miami-hurricanes-blew-out-florida-gators-sec-football/