Miami needs to clean up turnovers versus Florida

The Miami football team lost 11 turnovers and forced seven in six road games in 2024. Miami cannot afford a deficit in the turnover margin in the season opener at Florida on Saturday. New quarterback Cam Ward doesnt throw many interceptions but he led the nation with seven lost fumbles in 2023 at Washington State.

Florida was nearly equally as bad at taking care of the football at home in 2023. The Gators had six turnovers and forced only four in six home games during the 2023 season. Florida's problem was more the inability to create turnovers than losing them. Florida was 128th nationally forcing turnovers in home games.

Florida was 28th in lost turnovers in home games. Miami was 78th in forced turnovers on the road in 2023. The Hurricanes were 87th nationally in turnovers lost in road games in 2024. Miami was 85th with seven interceptions thrown in six road games in 2023. Ward threw seven interceptions for the entire season in 2023.

Miami was 69th with four lost fumbles on the road in 2023. The bigger concern with Ward at QB is making sure he reduces his fumbles in 2024. The turnover margin is critical, especially in road games. Florida only had two interceptions and two fumbles recoveries in their six 2023 home games

Miami has to stay disciplined versus Florida. Ward told Andrea Adelson and David Hale on the ACC Network "I think the biggest challenge for us is not trying to be too big-play happy offensively." If Ward can stay true to that mantra, he should significantly reduce opportunities for Florida to create turnovers.

Forcing turnovers for Miami will be difficult versus Florida. Florida QB Graham Mertz was fifth nationally last season with interceptions thrown on only 0.8 percent of his pass attempts. Mertz threw three interceptions in 358 attempts versus 20 touchdowns. Staying disciplined is critical for Miami at Florida.