What’s up, y’all? It’s officially Gator hate week here at State of the U. We’ve got a lot coming your way, and I’m going to start my week here giving you what random tidbits are rattling around inside my brain about the Miami Hurricanes.
So, let’s get to it.
1) I have to admit, I was surprised that College Gameday is coming to town for this game. And I just deleted a lot of angry words because I saw Hard Rock Stadium was the site, but this link from UM says it’s on campus, so exhale.
For a moment, I
thought they had forgotten how absolutely amazing it was when it was on campus in 2017 for Notre Dame. That was electric. And there’s no doubt that Miami students and fans will show up and show out again. Right there by the food court and pool on campus with Lake Osceola behind it. Hard to beat. And it’s a night game, just as it was in 2017, so there’s plenty of time to get done and lazily make your way up to Miami Gardens with plenty of time to spare.
Definitely got it right.
2) But anywho, Miami right now is looking like arguably the best team in the nation. Were they not Miami, they would be ranked even higher.
They did move up in the latest AP Poll from 5 to 4, but tell me who has two better looking wins in the first three weeks than Miami? Two ranked (at the time) wins, and the latter by 37 points. If that’s Penn State, Oregon, Texas, etc., pencil them in at 1 or 2, but no way lower. Unless you’re the Canes, it appears. I know AP rankings don’t technically matter, but perceptions do. It’s just about fairness.
3) I was a bit off on the final score, but Miami did do what they did last year – they physically imposed their will on the Bulls, except….
… this time they didn’t wait until the third quarter to do it like they did up in Tampa in 2024. This was a good, old fashioned business trip for the Canes on Saturday. Focused from the outset. Tough. Disciplined. The far more physical team. I tell you what. If you’re the more physical team, you’re winning way, way more than you’re losing, so I am thrilled to see that type of play through the first three games of the season.
4) Carson Beck and Georgia might be better off apart than they were together.
Beck looks like a legit Heisman Trophy contender through three games for the Canes and can continue to make a push for Heisman consideration with a strong showing the next two games, which are arguably Miami’s biggest this season.
Meanwhile, Georgia QB Gunner Stockton had a big game for the Bulldogs in a 44-41 overtime win at Tennessee. He was 23/31 passing for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Sometimes, things just work out for the best, and that appears to be the case with Beck’s move south.
5) We’re going to get into the game a lot more during the week, so I’m saving a lot of stuff for then, but I’ll say this: don’t laugh too hard at DJ Lagway after Saturday night.
The Gators QB had a 1 touchdown and 5 interception nightmare against LSU in a 20-10 loss. Blake Baker fooled him several times and got him to release the ball into some bad spots. Beyond Lagway, Florida is also reeling under Billy Napier, and one has to wonder where their heads are at coming to Miami.
But I’ve seen Lagway shine in parts of last season, a level of performance that – if he can shake off what happened last Saturday – can be good enough to lead Florida to a victory.
Not saying that’s happening. Love where Miami is in all phases right now, and it would take an off night for it to happen. Just saying don’t sleepwalk on him or the Gators.
Talk to you all more later this week. Go Canes!
