One of the reasons fans love college football is because of the upsets that take place almost on a weekly basis.
Another upset could occur on Saturday, according to “SEC Nation’s” Jordan Rodgers. On the show, the former Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback predicted the Florida Gators (1-2) would defeat the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes (3-0) on the road. The Hurricanes enter as 7.5-point favorites, according to ESPN BET.
Jordan Rodgers Predicts Florida Will Upset Miami
Rodgers expressed confidence that Florida’s defense will create turnovers and that quarterback DJ Lagway will recover from his five-interception performance against the No. 3 LSU Tigers last weekend.
“I think the Florida defense is going to remind people that Carson Beck occasionally likes to throw it to the other team,” Rodgers said. “I think they’re going to be brilliant [Saturday], and I think we’re going to see a better version of DJ Lagway. Give the ball to Jadan Baugh 20 times, and they’ll be good. I’ve got Florida.”
DJ Lagway’s Struggles Define Florida’s Early Season
Lagway is a former five-star recruit who had significant playing time as a true freshman in 2024. He performed well in those games, generating a lot of excitement for the Gators heading into this season. Last year, Lagway threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns after stepping in for Graham Mertz, who was sidelined due to an injury.
Lagway’s sophomore season has not gotten off to a great start. He has thrown for 629 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions. Last weekend marked the worst performance of his young career; he threw for 287 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions in Florida’s 20-10 loss to the LSU Tigers.
Miami’s Balanced Attack Has Hurricanes Rolling
The Gators are looking to recover against a Miami team that is performing exceptionally well. The Hurricanes’ offense ranks 22nd overall in total offense, 58th in rushing offense and 21st in passing offense. Quarterback Carson Beck leads the team, having thrown for 812 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 79.3% of his passes. He is regarded as one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy.
The defense has performed well this season as well, ranked No. 38 in total defense, No. 15 in rush defense and No. 65 in pass defense. The Hurricanes have outscored their opponents 121-39. Last season, Miami beat Florida 41-17 on the road to start the year.
Miami has looked the part of a contender through the first three weeks, but Florida has history on its side when it comes to spoiling big moments. For Rodgers, the formula is simple: protect the football, lean on the run game and let the defense force mistakes. If the Gators can execute, Saturday night could deliver one of the season’s first true shockers.
The Gators will look to return the favor this weekend, and Rodgers thinks they’ll get it done at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
About the author
Jaron Spor
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports