One of the most highly anticipated season openers in program history featured the third installation of the Mario Cristobal-led Miami Hurricanes taking on the arch-rival Florida Gators, on the road at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. And for the 30th time in the 57-game series, Cristobal’s Canes came away victorious, flattening the Gators 41-17.
It was the most points ever allowed by the Gators in a home opener, a program that has been playing football since 1906.
Miami could not have scripted a better start to the game as they never trailed. After the defense stifled Graham Mertz and the Florida offensive attack allowing only 13 yards in the first possession of the game, Cam Ward led the offense down the field on an 11-play, 84-yard drive that lasted 5:39.