The state of Florida continues to get clarity about the haves and the have nots in the 2025 campaign. Miami looks like a true national title contender, while FSU is much improved and could be an ACC title game participant. USF had a great start to the season, but fell back to earth in week 3. Florida has payed some really good defense, but has been abysmal on offense, but are the Gators really that bad?
How do these teams rank after three weeks of the college football season?
1. Miami Hurricanes 3-0
– Miami absolutely dominated USF 49-12 in a game that was never competitive. Carson Beck threw for 3 touchdowns, and scored on the ground, while Mark Fletcher Jr. added 120 yards on the ground as Miami rolled up 576 yards of offense. On defense the Canes were relentless sacking Byrum Brown twice and holding the Bulls to 40 yards on the ground. Through 3 weeks Miami looks every bit as good as Mario Cristobal envisioned. The next 2 weekends will determine a big piece of Miami’s season. Next Game – Saturday vs Florida 2. Florida State 2-0 – How good are the Seminoles really? The win over Alabama looks even better right now as the Tide seem to have righted the ship. Florida State enjoyed an early bye week, and will have a semi-bye week this week as they play Kent State at home. Tommy Castellanos has paced a Seminole offense that is running for 5.9 yards per carry. Gus Malzahn and Castellanos seem like a match made in heaven, but bigger challenges await further down the road. Next Game – Saturday vs Kent State
3. USF 2-1 – The Bulls were the darlings of college football for exactly 7 days. The win against Florida was super impressive, but they ran into a juggernaut Miami team on the road. USF was able to hit a couple of explosive plays, but were never really competitive. The good thing for USF is they are still one of the favorites to be the Group of 5 representitive and should be favored in the rest of their contests.
Next Game – Saturday vs South Carolina State
4. Florida 1-2 – Florida is at a crossroads for their program. They won most of the stats vs LSU, except the 2 that matter the most, which was the scoreboard and the turnover battle. The 20-10 loss at LSU wouldn’t be viewed so poorly had they not lost to USF the week previously. DJ Lagway is not living up to the preseason expectations, and Billy Napier is on the hottest of hot seats. The good news, they have an aggressive schedule where a few wins can change their narrative. The bad news, is that same scheulde.
Next Game – Saturday @ Miami
5. UCF 2-0 – The Knights had an off week after a blowout win 68-7 over North Carolina A&T. Quarterback Tayven Jackson has led the way with 471 yards and 2 TDs while completing 64.4% of his passes. On defense UCF has come up with 5 sacks through two games. Business picks up before Big 12 play with a visit from North Carolina which should give a better indication of where UCF really stands.
Next Game – Saturday vs North Carolina
6. FIU 2-1 – The Panthers won the Shula Bowl for the 1st time since 2016 over FAU 38-28. Kejon Owens ran for 173 yards and TDs in the victory. The Panthers pulled away in the 2nd half with three consecutuive touchdown drives. After going 4-8 in 2024, the Panthers are already half way to their win total from a year ago.
Next Game – Saturday vs Delaware
7. FAU 1-2 – It wasn’t good for the Owls as they fell 38-28 to FIU. Caden Veltkamp threw for 343 yards and 2 TDs but also had three passes picked off which did not help their cause. The game was delayed over 2 hours for lightning delays. After winning just 3 games in 2024, the Owls are behind the 8-Ball before conference play.
Next Game – Saturday September 27th vs Memphis
Go Canes
