Sunshine State showdown pits Hurricanes against Gators
Sports Network | September 03, 2008
Gainesville, FL (Sports Network) - The Florida Gators opened their 2008 season in impressive fashion, destroying the Hawaii Warriors, 56-10. Urban Meyer's team continues its season-opening homestand this weekend, welcoming Sunshine State rival Miami to Gainesville. The Hurricanes also posted a lopsided win in their season-opener, disposing of Charleston Southern, 52-7, marking Miami's highest scoring outing since 2005. It also opened play for Miami at Dolphins Stadium, after a seven-decade stay in the Orange Bowl. This game will mark the 54th all-time meeting between these two teams. Miami has dominated the series of late and holds a 28-25 all-time edge, thanks to wins in each of the last six meetings. Florida's last win over the Hurricanes came in 1985. The Hurricanes didn't eclipse 37 points all of last year and although it was against an inferior opponent last week, it was impressive nonetheless. Randy Shannon's team got off to a fast start, scoring 21 first-quarter points, its highest scoring quarter since 2006. The Hurricanes were able to roll up 416 yards of total offense on the Buccaneers, thanks to a potent ground game that churned out 224 yards on nearly six yards per carry. Miami scored five times on the ground and was led by tailback Javarris James' 73 yards and one score. Shawnbrey McNeal had just five carries, but made the most of them with 45 yards (9.0 ypc) and one TD. Sophomore Graig Cooper notched a rushing score as well, but made a bigger impact on special teams, returning a punt 66 yards for a TD. Freshman QB Jacory Harris filled in for suspended Robert Marve, who should be back for this contest. Harris was certainly serviceable, completing 16-of-26 passes, for 190 yards and one TD and had a 30-yard scamper for a TD to open the scoring in the first quarter. For his effort, Harris was named the ACC's Rookie of the Week, but that success in no way affects Marve's status as the starter according to Coach Shannon. "Robert Marve is our starter, and that's it. Even if Jacory has a great game, Marve will be our starter. No matter what, he's our starter." Miami dominated on the defensive side of the ball as well, holding Charleston Southern to a mere 126 total yards, including just 49 on the ground. Middle linebacker Spencer Adkins tallied just three solo tackles in the game, but was responsible for two sacks, picking up ACC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. Shannon got to utilize a number of defensive players in the blowout, so it is not surprising that the team's leading tackler in the game, junior LB Darryl Sharpton, tallied just 3.5 tackles. All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow did not exactly put up Heisman worthy numbers in the season-opener against Hawaii, but unlike last year, he didn't have to, as the rest of the Gators took care of business. Tebow threw the ball just 14 times, completing nine passes, for 137 yards and one TD, in addition to rushing for 37 yards. Hawaii had no answer for Florida's ground game, as the Gators rolled up 255 yards rushing, led by freshman Jeff Demps, who had just two carries for 76 yards, including a 62- yard TD scamper. Chris Rainey was productive as well, averaging almost 10 yards per tote, racking up 58 yards on six carries. Part of Tebow's rather bland passing effort could have been a result of Florida missing All-American candidate Percy Harvin on the outside. The big time playmaker is nursing a heel injury, but is listed as probable for this week's contest. Last year, Harvin led the team in receptions (59) for 858 yards. He is also the school's all-time leader for rushing yards by a receiver (1,192). In 2007, Harvin averaged an impressive 11.4 yards on 142 touches (59 receptions, 83 carries). Hawaii was an offensive juggernaut under June Jones last year, but the new- look Warriors under the guidance of new head coach Greg McMackin, looked nothing like that prolific offense. It certainly didn't help that Florida's defense was always swarming on the ball. The Gators limited the visiting Warriors to a mere 241 total yards last weekend, allowing just 60 yards rushing and 181 yards passing. In addition, Florida forced a whopping six turnovers, including four interceptions and also recorded four sacks in the game. Two of the interceptions were returned for touchdowns. Two of those picks were by Ahmad Black, who returned one 80 yards for a score. An impressive performance considering the team was without its heart-and-soul in First-Team All-SEC linebacker Brandon Spikes (foot injury), who could return to the lineup this week. Up front, Lawrence Marsh (two sacks) and Jermaine Cunningham (1.5 sacks) were tough to block. There is plenty of depth along the line, with Meyer taking advantage of the lopsided win by giving several freshmen valuable playing time against Hawaii.
