Florida vs. Miami score, takeaways: Gators allow most points in home opener ever as daunting season lies ahead

With stellar debuts from Cam Ward and Damien Martinez, the Hurricanes routed their in-state rival on the road

No. 19 Miami began its season with a statement on Saturday, downing in-state rival Florida 41-17 behind a sterling debut from quarterback Cam Ward. The prized Washington State transfer looked undaunted playing in a hostile SEC environment as he guided the Hurricanes to scores on six of their first eight drives.

Florida's Montrell Johnson Jr. popped off a 71-yard touchdown run with 3:21 remaining in the second quarter to draw the Gators within 17-10 and reinvigorate Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. But the 'Canes struck back with touchdowns to end the first half and begin the second, creating separation on their way to a statement win. 

Their 41 points were the most ever allowed by Florida in a home opener, and the result snapped a 34-game home-opener winning streak for the Gators dating back to 1990.

Ward picked apart Florida's defense with his arm and also proved to be a threat with his legs. His favorite target was Xavier Restrepo, who hauled in a 24-yard touchdown with 45 seconds remaining in the first half. Restrepo then rattled off a 40-yard gain to help set up the Hurricanes' first touchdown of the second half. But Ward spread the football around, finding 10 different receivers. Five of them made grabs of 20-plus yards.

The 'Canes defense also did its part by frustrating Florida's passing game and repeatedly getting off the field on third downs. It wasn't until 2:09 remained in the third quarter that Florida converted its first third- or fourth-down attempt. By then, the Gators trailed 38-10. On that same drive, Florida quarterback Graham Mertz was injured while throwing an interception and did not return. That paved the way for five-star freshman quarterback DJ Lagway to make his debut on the next series. Lagway led a fourth quarter touchdown drive, but it was too little, too late for the Gators.

CBS Sports was with you the entire way, providing updates, analysis and highlights. Be sure to read below for takeaways from the game. 

[Aug 31, 2024 at 7:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

Setting the stage for CFP run?

Miami's authoritative win sets the stage for the Hurricanes to make a run at the College Football Playoff. Unlike the Gators, who play a daunting schedule, there's nothing particularly frightening about the 'Canes slate. Just one team that was ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 is on the docket. That's a home game against Florida State on Oct. 26, and the Seminoles are off to an 0-1 start. With FSU and Clemson each struggling out of the gate, the ACC appears wide open for the Hurricanes to rise up and claim the league's automatic bid to the first-ever edition of the 12-team CFP. Miami went all-in with its 2024 roster with high-profile transfer additions, and the early returns suggest that investment could pay off in a big way.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 7:05 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cam Ward is the real deal

Anyone who watched Washington State in 2022 and 2023 was aware of Ward's mobility and throwing prowess. He completed 65.5% of his passes with 48 touchdowns and 13 more on the ground in his two seasons with the Cougars. That dynamic playmaking ability was on full display against the Gators as he finished 26 of 35 for 385 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. For most of the game, it was his arm that stood out impressive chemistry between him and his new group of receivers. However, he also showcased his running ability with a pair of scrambles for first downs in the first quarter. There's a bit of risk in the way Ward plays, and that was evident when he was intercepted while throwing across his body in the first quarter. But the upside with his playing style far outweighs the downside for a Miami team that has needed more offensive explosiveness.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 7:05 pm ET · David Cobb]

Florida's offense has issues

Florida struggled to push the football downfield through the air last season, with quarterback Graham Mertz ranking 92nd nationally in pass attempts that traveled 20 or more yards through the air. With top downfield target Ricky Pearsall gone to the NFL, it was uncertain who might emerge as a vertical threat in the passing game. Through one game, that uncertainty remains for Florida. Sophomore receiver Eugene Wilson III was the top target in the Gators' passing attack, but the Gators longest pass play was for 19 yards. Regardless of whether it's Mertz or DJ Lagway under center, the Gators need to be more dynamic in the passing game than they were against the Hurricanes.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 6:56 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cam Ward up to 350

Miami just tacked on a field goal to make it 41-17 with four minutes remaining. Cam Ward is up to 350 yards passing as his debut winds to a close. Florida owns a 483-248 edge in total yards. Five different 'Canes have receptions of 20+ yards while Florida has yet to complete a pass for 20+ yards.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 6:46 pm ET · David Cobb]

Nice drive for the Gators, Lagway

DJ Lagway's second drive went well for Florida. He connected with Eugene Wilson III for consecutive first downs to jumpstart the series. From there, he converted a third-and-12 with his legs inside the red zone to set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Treyaun Webb. UF's other touchdown came via a 71-yard touchdown run on the first play of a series in the second quarter. So that was the only real touchdown drive of the day so far for the Gators, who now trail 38-17 with 7:14 remaining.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 6:27 pm ET · David Cobb]

DJ Lagway in the game

Following the hard hit taken by Graham Mertz on Florida's final series of the third quarter, true freshman DJ Lagway has entered at quarterback. The five-star prospect is regarded as the future for Florida. His debut is coming under tough circumstances with Mertz sidelined and Florida trailing by 38. But UF fans offered a nice ovation as he took the field as his arrival on the scene helps provide some optimism in what may be a tough season.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 6:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Graham Mertz intercepted and hurt

Graham Mertz was on the ground wincing in pain after he was clobbered by Miami's Tyler Baron on a pass attempt deep in Miami territory. He has gone to the locker room following the hit, potentially clearing the way for freshman DJ Lagway's debut. It's been a tough day for the Gators' veteran signal career. Mishael Powell intercepted Mertz's pass and returned it 67 yards. That was Mertz's first interception, but he hasn't completed a pass for more than 20 yards yet and is just 11 of 20 through the air. Now, focus will turn to his health as the Gators look ahead to a brutally difficult 2024 slate.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 6:02 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cam Ward picking Florida apart

Cam Ward just found Jacolby George for a 23-yard touchdown pass to make it 38-10. That capped a 9-play, 86-yard touchdown drive. Ward has thrown three touchdowns and is 23 of 30 for 319 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Best believe NFL scouts are paying attention to this performance, which has been particularly impressive considering its his first game in a new system.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:56 pm ET · David Cobb]

Another punt for Florida

After another punt, it's worth wondering if Florida freshman quarterback DJ Lagway might get a series for the Gators in the second half. Florida has struggled to move the football with Graham Mertz, who is just 8 of 15 for 62 yards. Florida isn't in position to go run-heavy as it faces a big deficit.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:46 pm ET · David Cobb]

Quick strike for the Hurricanes

Miami wasted no time extending its lead coming out of the locker room, marching 75 yards on six plays over 2:35. The drive's big play was a third-and-4 conversion from Cam Ward to Xavier Restrepo, who turned a quick-hit pass into a 40-yard gain. From there, Ward found Mark Fletcher Jr. for 22 yards into the red zone. The Gators now trail 35-14 and will be forced to mount a massive second half comeback.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:42 pm ET · David Cobb]

Asa Turner getting attention 

Florida safety Asa Turner was just helped off the field. The Washington transfer is playing his first game with the Gators. He was a former Pac-12 honorable mention guy for the Huskies and is expected to be a key cog in the UF secondary this season.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:41 pm ET · David Cobb]

Long streak

Miami's last loss when leading by 14 or more points at halftime came in 2004 against Clemson. The Hurricanes have won 57 straight with a 14+ point halftime lead. Hurricanes have the ball first here to begin the second half and are already marching. Of note: no indication that star sophomore linebacker Reuben Bain will return for Miami after going down in the fist quarter. 

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:35 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami looking good

Can the Hurricanes stack two solid halves? We'll see. But so far, the early reviews are excellent on a team that may be the class of the ACC. Cam Ward looks totally in command, and Damien Martinez has rushed for 56 yards on 11 carries. Those were two high-dollar transfer acquisitions, and they are earning their keep so far. It wasn't all about the transfers, though. Returning receiver Xavier Restrepo was huge in the passing game for Miami in the first half with six grabs for 72 yards and a touchdown.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:22 pm ET · David Cobb]

Things for Florida to clean up

Half: Miami 24, Florida 10

Florida only went three-and-out once in the first half but it struggled to sustain drives because it went 0 for 5 on third-down conversion attempts. Stretching the field vertically through the passing game remained a struggle for the Gators in the first half, just as it was last season. Penalties also haunted Florida, which was flagged for a couple of costly late hits on Miami QB Cam Ward.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami responds

After getting punched in the mouth by a 71-yard touchdown run from Montrell Johnson Jr., Miami responds with an impressive scoring drive of its own. Cam Ward found Xavier Restrepo for a 24-yard touchdown with 45 seconds left in the half. He's now 16 of 20 for 173 yard with two touchdowns one interception. The 'Canes have also been successful on the ground and look far more dynamic offensively than they have previously under third-year coach Mario Cristobal.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 5:04 pm ET · David Cobb]

Major momentum swing

What a huge momentum swing as Montrell Johnson Jr. takes a handoff 71 yards for a score to draw Florida within 17-10. That was the first play of the drive for Florida, which has flipped the script on this half in a hurry after going three-and-out on its last series. The Gators' defense deserves a shoutout as well after forcing a three-and-out. Florida has been pass-heavy in the first half, but the Gators put their run game on display with a banger there.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

Another Florida punt

Florida just punted for the third time in five possessions after its first three-and-out of the game. Graham Mertz is now just 1 of his last 7 through the air as the Miami defense appears to be gaining confidence. The Hurricanes have a chance to go 2-for-1 here late in the second quarter as they are also slated to receive the kick to begin the third quarter.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:51 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami marches ahead by 14

Mark Fletcher Jr. just capped a quick touchdown drive for Miami with a 10-yard touchdown run. The Hurricanes were aided by a roughing the passer penalty on the drive's first play, then got a 30-yard completion from Cam Ward to Isaiah Horton. The early reviews on the Hurricanes' offense are strong, but Florida has helped Miami's cause with a couple of late hits on Ward.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:46 pm ET · David Cobb]

Failed conversions mounting

Florida is now 0 for 4 on third downs and 0 for 1 on fourth-down conversion attempts as yet another drive meets its demise after an encouraging start. The Gators pushed the ball into Miami territory but ended up in no-man's land on fourth-and-5. Billy Napier rolled the dice, but Graham Mertz was nearly picked off over the middle as the 'Canes defense made another stand.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:33 pm ET · David Cobb]

Florida's defense stands

Florida's defense came up with a big stand in the red zone to stop a Miami drive and force the Hurricanes to settle for a 23-yard field goal to make it 10-3 Hurricanes. Damien Martinez popped off a 17-yard run to begin that series before Cam Ward found Xavier Restrepo for a couple of first down completions. The Hurricanes have out-gained Florida 156-57 so far, but the Gators are within a score after bending without breaking.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:22 pm ET · David Cobb]

Something to watch

Miami linebacker Rueben Bain went to the locker room during the first quarter and was not on the field for the Hurricanes during Florida's third offensive possession. Bain was a freshman All-American last season and is an anchor of the Hurricanes' defense. If he's unable to return, that will be a big loss for Miami.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:21 pm ET · David Cobb]

Settling for a field goal

Miami's defense made a big stand after the Ward interception to hold the Gators to a field goal. Trey Smack hit from 41 yards, but that wasn't the outcome Florida was hoping for after picking up a quick first down on the second play of the series. UF has moved the sticks on all three of its possessions in the first quarter, but the 'Canes are looking stingy defensively.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:14 pm ET · David Cobb]

Shemar James with an INT

Florida's defense just came up with a huge momentum-swinging play as Cam Ward threw across his body deep in his own territory. Shemar James was right there for the interception, and the Gators will officially be in business at Miami's 33-yard line. That was a costly blunder by Ward, who had looked great up until that point. Great chance coming for UF to even up the game.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 4:08 pm ET · David Cobb]

Florida stalls out

Florida's second series began with promise after Mertz hit Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger for a couple of first downs to get the football into Miami territory. But the Gators stalled out from there, leading to Crawshaw's second punt of the first quarter. It was a beauty downed inside the 5-yard line. Florida has moved the chains on both its possessions but hasn't been able to string together the positive plays needed to sustain drives.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 3:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cam Ward off to strong start

1Q: Miami 7, Florida 0

Cam Ward made plays with his arm and his legs on Miami's opening series. He hit Xavier Restrepo with a 13-yard laser over the middle. It was a great catch by Restrepo. Ward also had a couple of savvy scrambles to move he chains. The Hurricanes were then bailed out by a roughing the passer penalty on a failed third-and-10 play. That gave them new life, turning a would-be FG attempt into a 9-yard touchdown strike from Ward to ninth-year senior tight end Cam McCormick.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 3:51 pm ET · David Cobb]

Off and running

Florida picked up a first down right out of the gate with a Graham Mertz to Eugene Wilson connection. But the Gators stalled out from there, leading to a 46-yard punt from Jeremy Crawshaw. The 'Canes took over inside their own 20-yard line as the Cam Ward experience begins for Miami. The sun is out in the Swamp, and the environment looks predictably lit for this in-state showdown.

[Aug 31, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami vs. Florida kicking off

The pressure is on for both Florida and No. 19 Miami as the Sunshine State rivals meet Saturday for the first time since 2019 in a high-stakes season opener. Third-year coaches Billy Napier (Florida) and Mario Cristobal (Miami) are each below .500 so far in their tenures after entering as celebrated hires following the 2021 season, and each could use marquee early-season wins to build momentum.

Progress is expected, but nothing will come easy for either squad. The Gators face what appears to be the nation's toughest schedule and should feel a sense of urgency to defend their home field in a nonconference game. The Hurricanes' slate isn't quite as daunting, but Miami must battle sky-high expectations. Despite going just 7-6 last season, the 'Canes are expected to compete for a College Football Playoff bid and the ACC title.

Florida vs. Miami live stream, where to watch, TV channel, game odds, spread, prediction, picks

David Cobb

[Aug 31, 2024 at 3:15 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cristobal, Napier in the spotlight

Are Mario Cristobal and Billy Napier both on the hot seat entering the 2024 season? Regardless of your view on their job security, there is obviously urgency for both coaches to demonstrate marked improvement after sub .500 beginnings to their respective tenures. Colleague Shehan Jeyarajah dove deeper on why both Cristobal and Napier are among those facing the most pressure to win this season.

Deion Sanders, Ryan Day among college football coaches facing the most pressure to win entering 2024 season

Shehan Jeyarajah

[Aug 31, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Is Florida's schedule the toughest ever?

Playing a top-20 Miami team is just the beginning for Florida. While the Gators' schedule is light compared to the 1899 Sewanee slate, it might be the toughest any team has faced in the 21st century. Here's a look at how other tough schedules from the modern era stack up against the gauntlet that UF will face in a critical third season for coach Billy Napier. Stacking wins early will be important for the Gators as a murderers row awaits them at season's end.

Is Florida's 2024 football schedule the toughest ever? Members of Sewanee's 1899 team laugh from the grave

David Cobb

[Aug 31, 2024 at 2:45 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami vs. Florida prediction

If there's a place to exploit Miami, it's likely in the secondary after the Hurricanes lost three NFL draft picks from their defensive backfield. However, downfield passing was not Florida's strength last season, and there's no reason to believe that will change in Week 1. The 'Canes are rock solid up front on both sides of the ball and should be able to emerge as the more physical team in a relatively even matchup. Pick: Miami -2.5