Kirk Herbstreit reveals biggest questions for Florida, Miami ahead of Week 4 showdown

In a crowded primetime window in Week 4, Florida and Miami will square off in Coral Gables. The in-state rivalry is a key game for both teams, and ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit said they each have questions.

Florida enters the game with a 1-2 record following back-to-back losses to USF and LSU. In the latter, DJ Lagway threw five interceptions and penalties were again an issue as the Gators struggled to start SEC play. Miami, meanwhile, will face its toughest defense yet this season and test its vaunted offensive line.

Herbstreit is watching to see if Florida can avoid the self-inflicted wounds and keep things competitive with Miami. For the Hurricanes, he’s looking to see how the offensive line holds up in front of Carson Beck, who’s been red-hot to start the year.

“This is a college football game that I think we’re all excited to see because on one hand, you have Florida that’s reeling,” Herbstreit said Friday on College Football Countdown. “Let’s face it. They’re 1-2, lost a couple games they very easily could’ve won, but they’re making so many mistakes. Critical errors, DJ Lagway and the five interceptions. I think DJ Lagway, physically, could be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Can flip that switch at any moment. Is this the weekend? But they’ve got to stop hurting themselves if they want to compete with Miami.

“Miami, right now, appears to have everything. This is a game where their offensive line – which has been a strength – they’re going to get tested by the SEC defensive front from Florida. Will they be more physical? And Carson Beck has an opportunity with an embarrassment of riches on the outside and in the backfield with Mark Fletcher to be able to get this offense going. I think this is going to be a very, very close game.”

More on Florida, Miami’s starts to 2025

The pressure is mounting around Billy Napier and Florida amid the rough two-week stretch, and it’s similar to the situation last year. Miami headed into The Swamp and took down the Gators to kick off the 2024 season, and the hot-seat questions ramped up around Napier. UF got hot late in the year, though, to finish 8-5 after winning the bowl game.

However, Miami has been impressive through the first three weeks. The Hurricanes rank 22nd in the nation with 486 yards of offense per game, and their 40.3 points on average ranks 26th in the nation. Beck has also put himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation with his strong start.

The combination of storylines makes for an intriguing showdown in Week 4. Florida at Miami will kick off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.