Miami could do Florida fans a huge favor on Saturday with a dominant win

Miami has a chance to turn up the heat on Florida coach Billy Napier on Saturday night. The rivals meet at Hard Rock Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, and a Miami blowout would intensify already loud calls from Florida fans for a change on the sideline. Also, to go along with the national stage at night, ESPN's College GameDay is also coming to town for the game. The topic of Napier being on the hot seat might just make up half the show.

The setup for a beatdown makes this outcome feel likely. No. 4 Miami is 3-0 and has outscored opponents 121-39, with wins over then-ranked Notre Dame and South Florida (who beat Florida, 18-16 in week 2). Florida is 1-2 after back-to-back losses to the aforementioned Bulls and LSU. In the week 3 matchup against the Tigers, DJ Lagway was picked off five times and despite the defense holding strong, the Gators lost by 10. Since shutting out LIU in the opener, Florida has scored 26 total points over the last two games and the gauntlet of the SEC is staring at them after this matchup against Miami.

Miami may be ranked No. 4 in the country — which deserves a ton of respect — but they might be better than that this season. The Hurricanes beat Notre Dame 27-24 in week 1, handled Bethune-Cookman 45-3 in week 2 and then routed USF 49-12 in week 3. Quarterback Carson Beck has thrown for 812 yards with seven touchdowns and has an 89.9 QBR. Now, he did throw a couple INTs against USF, but with a defense that is humming and has only given up 39 points in three games, it doesn't matter.

After the home loss to USF, Florida students were heard chanting "Fire Billy" as they left the stadium. The Gators fans, even while knowing that the schedule would be tough, had far higher expectations than this. A decisive defeat (which would make it back-to-back seasons) to Miami would not create the discontent, but it would amplify it.

Money matters in any firing discussion, and Napier's contract terms are now clearer. His buyout equals 85% of the remaining deal. So, after this season, that figure would be about $19.38 million, with half due within 30 days of termination and the balance paid in equal installments each July through 2028. The agreement includes no offset if he takes another job, meaning Florida would owe the full amount. Some reports indicate a proposed payment schedule that front-loads nearly $14 million in the first month.

That price tag is steep, but it is not out of line with recent SEC decisions, which is why this is even a discussion. If Miami wins, Napier is one step closer to being relieved of his duties at Florida. If it's not even close, then that will come sooner than initially expected after the USF loss.