10-0 Gators Take on Miami at Miami Dec. 22nd
2005-12-19
Posted by: badanov
Since 1952, Florida hasn't seen a better start.
Statistically, Florida is in the top spot in the SEC of several categories on scoring, rebounds and turnovers. Everything is going the Gators' way, it seems.
Dec. 22, Florida travels to Miami for their 11th game of the season. Florida's toughest opponent to date has been Southern Florida, a game they won at home 80-47.
Miami is currently very weak. Statistically, the Hurricanes (6-4) are in the bottom tier in every statistical category in the ACC, but then there is the strength of their schedule so far.
The Hurricanes have played and have been beaten badly by some very tough opponents, including Michigan, Temple and North Carolina State, all large losses, but all road games.
The news is so bad for the Hurricanes in fact it is difficult to see where the Gators may have problems. The only thing we can consider is that this will be a tough in-state rival, playing at home for the first time. Home crowds can add points to the scoreboard, if Miami starts playing better defense, and if they can contain Florida guards Taurean Green and Cory Brewer.
Florida is rather deep on their bench at this point in time, however, with their top five starters scoring in double digits average, so, containing Green and Brewer may not be a total panacea.
But Brewer is Miami's biggest headache in this game being the first hoops player in Florida history to get a triple double in the Jacksonville game. And according to the AP, Florida scored more points inside than Jacksonville scored as a team. Inside is where Florida will hurt the Hurricanes, who have a marginal defense in the paint.
Miami can't just expect to jam Florida up inside, and force the three pointer because three of the Gator's top starters ( Brewer, Green and Lee Humphrey) are all shooting 30 percent or better from the arc.
We expect this game to be relatively close despite all the problems Miami must overcome to compete. We are looking forward to listening to the game and getting some sense as to how good the Gators are going to be come January.
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