Former Florida HC Dan Mullen picks Gators to beat spread vs. Miami

Former Florida head coach Dan Mullen has been working with ESPN as an analyst since he left The Swamp, and he picked his former team to beat the spread against Miami on Saturday in the 2024 season opener.

Mullen picked Florida (+2.5) over Miami, meaning the Gators could lose by two points and still beat the spread.

Although he didn’t pick his former team outright, Mullen’s endorsement is a strong one. Earlier on Thursday, during the Missouri-Murray State broadcast, Mullen picked Miami to win the ACC and earn a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Keeping it close with a potential playoff team is a positive. Beating a potential playoff team changes the narrative for the next three months.

Why Dan Mullen’s opinion matters

It’s easy to dismiss a former head coach’s projection, especially when it comes from a guy who left the program as unceremoniously as Mullen did Florida. Gator Nation hasn’t hidden their disdain for the previous regime, but Mullen has a 103-61 record as a head coach and won seven of 10 bowl games.

Like it or not, the guy knows ball. Recruiting was his downfall at the University of Florida, but the Xs and Os are where Mullen shines. Hopefully, the Gators put up the fight he’s expecting on Saturday.

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