Greg McElroy Predicts Winner In Miami vs Florida Week 1 Matchup

Two of the Sunshine State's finest meet Week 1 as Miami makes the couple-hour trip north to Gainesville for a matchup with massive implications for both programs, and especially the coaches.

The football played by these two schools last season just wasn't par for the course in terms of what the respective fanbases expect. A 5-7 season spells it all out for Florida, because missing a bowl game is a pretty extreme rarity over the Gators' history.

Then, Miami literally fumbled the Georgia Tech game away and was close to having a much better season than they did. But ultimately, the 'Canes were what they were: 7-6 and a hardly-above-average ACC outfit.

On an episode of Greg McElroy's show "Always College Football" released Thursday, he predicted a very tight game but has one determining factor separating his projected winner from the loser.

"I'm taking Miami," said McElroy. "I think their weaponry is too much for Florida. I still have to see it to believe it with Florida's progress defensively."

Offensively, McElroy believes Florida can move the ball, but just questions if they have the dynamite to keep up with Miami's talent.

"I do think Billy Napier and Company can shrink the game, because I think they'll be able to run the football with some effectiveness," McElroy added. "But I'm not sure they're going to be able to manufacture enough big plays against a questionable secondary for Miami."

He continued.

"That's the one question mark on Miami's roster: Is their secondary going to be good enough to cover down against quality weapons?" asked McElroy.

Ultimately, with weakness in both secondaries, McElroy sided with the offense who has a little bit more firepower to burn through the back end of the defense.

"I think Florida has good receivers, I think they have good pieces in the passing game, but I don't know if they're going to put as much fear into Miami's secondary as Miami will put fear into Florida's secondary," he said. "I'm taking Miami but I expect that game to be really close as well."

Expect a tight one, but with Miami's skill talent deciding the final outcome, says Greg McElroy.

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