Urban Meyer Predicts His Former Team Will Lose Season Opener

Week 1 of the college football season is upon us, and there are plenty of high-profile matchups to keep an eye on as we move closer to Saturday's massive slate.

Down in Gainesville, however, there's more than a win on the line. It's a battle for bragging rights in the state of Florida as No. 19 Miami travels to Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Both programs are looking to make up for disappointing seasons a year ago. The Gators missed a bowl bid after finishing 5-7 under second-year head coach Billy Napier, while the Hurricanes didn't fair much better at 7-6 under second-year head coach Mario Cristobal.

The last time these two met came in 2019, a 24-20 win by UF.

Oddsmakers see this year's matchup as a close call, with the Hurricanes having a narrow 2.5-point road favorite, per ESPN Bet.

According to former Florida and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, the Gators will cover the spread, although extremely narrow, but ultimately lose to the Hurricanes.

"I like Miami to probably win it," Meyer said in an Instagram post . "I think Florida will cover. I think it’s gonna come down to final possession, and I think this is a must-win game (for both programs)."

Meyer referred to Washington State transfer quarterback Cameron Ward as an "excellent" player who could be the difference here headed into his first and final season with the Hurricanes. Ward threw for 3,736 yards with 25 touchdowns to seven interceptions and added another eight scores on the ground for the Cougars in 2023.

Kickoff is set for Saturday, Aug. 31, at 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC).

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