Florida Football: QB’s may take center stage but the battle in the trenches will be the real show.

Florida’s retooled offensive line will be put to the test against an improved Miami front seven.

By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com, Football Analyst

As the Gators prepare for the arrival of the Miami Hurricanes Saturday, the talk for the next six days will mainly center on three things:

Quarterback Graham Mertz, Miami quarterback Cam Ward and the health of the SEC’s leading returning rusher, Montrell Johnson.

Mertz , threw 20 touchdowns against three interceptions a year ago, has been scrutinized nonetheless for his inability to create big plays through the air.

Ward, the Washington State transfer, is said by some to have been brilliant in fall camp and scrimmages, but will be facing a Florida defense that is looking to make a statement. Johnson underwent a small surgical procedure on his knee early in camp and the question remains whether he can practice or even be ready to play in the season opener.

Florida has reshaped its offensive line in an effort to reduce the 29 sacks that were surrendered in 2029. The starting five looks to be Austin Barber at left tackle, Knijeah Harris at left guard, Jake Slaughter at center, Damien George Jr. at right guard, and San Diego State transfer Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson at right tackle. This unit, if healthy, brings a ton of experience and size to the table.

Miami counters with what some believe to be the best defensive line in the ACC. Sophomore defensive end Rueben Bain was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year as a freshman and is joined by Akheem Mesidor, CJ Clark and Marley Cook from the transfer portal.

If the next step in the evolution of Graham Mertz is more explosive downfield plays, then the matchup between 2022 freshman All-American Barber and Bain could be the key to give Mertz the time he needs. 

Florida offensive line (GatorBait photo)

The Miami offensive line is said to be top-notch with freshman All-American Francis Mauioga and senior Jalen Rivers at right and left tackle,respectively. The offensive line has some depth but the second unit features several unproven players.

The Gators will throw a number of different players at Miami with diverse skill sets. Florida has up to eight bodies that have the ability to make an impact and make life hard on Mauioga and Rivers.

Justus Boone is healthy, happy and leaner at end while sophomore TJ Searcy has the speed and power to create chaos.  Inside Cam Jackson, Caleb Banks, and Desmond Watson should rotate during most games, with versatile ends Tyreak Sapp and Kelby Collins who can rush the passer and play tackle on passing downs. When it is all said in done, the player who could announce himself to the college football world is freshman LJ McCray who looks the part of a third year guy with the skills to match.

Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson (Chris Spears photo)

While battle in the trenches can be aided by the running backs, tight ends, and linebackers, the war of the mammoths should be fun to watch. Both teams will look to impose their will on one another and whoever buckles first could be the deciding factor in what should be a close football game.

Much has been made about the potential of both offenses to provide firepower but if the fuse isn’t lit up front there will certainly be some duds from both teams on Saturday.