The 2024 season could have hardly started worse for Florida.
The Gators were overmatched at home in a 41-17 blowout loss to Miami on Saturday. The Hurricanes were simply better everywhere and set a record for most points scored against the Gators in a Week 1 game in Gainesville.
Outside of a 71-yard touchdown run by Montrell Johnson Jr. in the second quarter that briefly gave Florida fans some hope, the Gators’ offense couldn’t move the ball efficiently against Miami. QB Graham Mertz, entering his second season as Florida’s starter, was just 11-of-20 for 91 passing yards and had to leave the game in the second half after he was hit following an interception.