Miami vs Florida Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines
By Pete Fiutak,
2024-08-27
This just feels right.
Florida State and Florida usually play at the end of the season, and Miami and FSU usually square off in ACC play, but Miami vs Florida is a fun way to kick things off even if both programs are trying to crank back up to their respective levels of expected greatness.
Florida beat Miami to open the 2019 season, Miami beat Florida early in 2013, Florida beat Miami early in 2008, Miami beat Florida early in 2003 …
These two should be playing each other, and this year, with two coaching staffs looking for something large, this one matters - even if this isn’t quite as big as it was when the Gators handed the eventual national championship Hurricanes a loss to open the 1983 campaign.
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) and Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (1) during fall football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Miami vs Florida How to Watch Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024 Game Time: 3:30 pm ET Venue: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL How to Watch: ABC 2023 Records: Florida (5-7), Miami (7-6) - Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
Why Miami Will Win
Is the Florida defense strong enough to win a tough game like this?
It started strong last season before crashing. It should be better this year, but the Hurricanes are far stronger offensively thanks to two big transfers.
Former Washington State Cougar Cam Ward might be the best quarterback transfer in this cycle. He has all the tools and experience, and he gets the ball out of his hands in a hurry.
Oregon State running back Damien Martinez should be a star behind an improved Hurricanes offensive line that should dominate the trenches against the rebuilt Gators front. But…
Why Florida Will Win
Miami’s defensive front is undergoing a bit of an overhaul. It has several talented players, but it might take a little time to get going.
Florida’s offensive line has been an issue over the last few years—injuries have been one of the biggest problems—but it’s improved through the transfer portal, and the health concerns are okay for now.
The Hurricane secondary, like the line, will be good, but it’s counting on a slew of transfers to rise up and perform right away.
Florida needs to get QB Graham Mertz going quickly after he completed 73% of his throws for close to 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. So this all comes down to…
Miami vs Florida: Who Will Win
Which defensive front can be more disruptive?
Miami has the pieces in place to finally get going under Mario Cristobal, but it’s about to face the 2023 Week 3 version of Florida.
That version rose up and rocked defensively in an energy-charged win over Tennessee, and it’s about to happen again right out of the gate.
The Florida defense will hold on in the fourth quarter, and Mertz will be just a bit better than Ward.
Miami vs Florida Prediction, Betting Lines
Florida 27, Miami 23 Line: Miami -2.5, o/u: 54.5 ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5 Miami vs Florida Must See Rating: 4
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