2004 marked the closing stages of the early 2000s powerhouse Canes, as well as Miami’s first season as a part of the ACC. 3 disappointing conference losses relegated the Canes postseason hopes to the Peach Bowl, where the 14th-ranked Canes met the 19th-ranked Florida Gators. UF was a couple seasons ahead of their time, led by eventual national championship-winning QB Chris Leak and interim head coach Charlie Strong, and their lack of experience showed against a Canes squad that still contained national championship-winning players of their own.
The Canes defense was spectacular in this contest, holding the Gators to 3.