Florida football receives more failing grades in loss to Miami

MIAMI GARDENS — Florida football was unable to avenge last year’s loss to state-rival Miami, falling 26-7 to the Hurricanes before 66,713 at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Florida Gators (1-3, 0-1 SEC) will limp into the open week, literally, before hosting No. 7 Texas at The Swamp. The game took a physical toll, as Florida lost defensive back Aaron Gates, cornerback Dijon Johnson, wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant and defensive tackle Brendan Bett to injuries in the contest.

At 1-3, Florida is off to its worst start since the 1986 season. The Gators also dropped to 20-22 under head coach Billy Napier.

Florida lost 41-17 to Miami at The Swamp last year but was more competitive this time around, trailing 13-7 to start the fourth quarter before wearing down.

Here is how Florida graded out against Miami:

Florida football offense: D

The Gators generated just 32 yards of offense in the first half and appeared in danger of being shut out for the first time since 1988. Florida’s offense showed more of a pulse in the second half as running backs Ja’Kobi Jackson and Jadan Baugh led UF on a third-quarter TD drive. But Florida sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway still looks like the shell of the quarterback he was his freshman season. Lagway didn’t turn it over after throwing five interceptions last week against LSU, but still struggled, completing just 12 of 23 passes for 61 yards.

Florida football defense: B

A depleted Florida defensive line without starters Caleb Banks, George Gumbs Jr. and key reserve Michai Boireau held its own until late in a game. Cornerback Cormani McClain recorded his second career interception. Florida led Miami to 160 yards passing and 183 yards rushing on an average of 4.7 yards per play.

Florida football special teams: C

Tommy Doman averaged 47.4 yards on seven punts, with a long of 57 yards. Florida failed to generate any big plays in the return game, with Vernell Brown III returning just one kickoff for 19 yards.

Florida football coaching: D

Again, Napier and his staff didn’t have an offensive gameplan suitable enough to pull off an upset against a top 10 opponent. Napier may have played riverboat gambler one too-many times when he chose to go for it on fourth-and-2 to start the fourth quarter rather than try a 51-yard Trey Smack goal to potentially cut Miami’s lead to 13-10. Florida had 10 players line up to try to block a Miami field goal in the first half, another embarrassing gaffe.

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!”