SEC Nation crew picks Florida to upset No. 19 Miami

Just before Week 1 of the college football season kicked off, the SEC Nation crew submitted their picks for every matchup featuring a team from the Southeastern Conference.

Live from Gainesville, the big focus was on the rivalry matchup between Florida and Miami. Gators legend Jevon Kearse (holding a Gator) joined Tim Tebow, Laura Rutledge, Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper and Jordan Rodgers to make the pick. All but one of the analysts went with the Orange and Blue to pull off the upset.

“I’m going with those Florida Gators,” Kearse said. “Both head coaches are on the hot seat right now, and they’ve got to come out firing on all cylinders. Game One, there’s a lot of energy here today. I’m feeling the Gators.”

Rodgers donned an oversized Gators hat while making his pick. He noted that the team is more explosive than it was a year ago, thanks to transfer portal additions, and shouted out Eugene “Tre” Wilson III as a dangerous weapon for the offense.

Finebaum isn’t known for giving much love to the Gators, especially over the past few years, but it’s a new season.

“I haven’t picked Florida to win a big game in a long time,” Finebaum said. “But that changes today!”

Roman Harper agreed that “everything is setting up just perfect for Florida,” but he decided to go with the “better team” and picked Miami. Everyone loves a contrarian…

When 93,000 people show up, a lot of people get intimated,” Tebow said. “I think that 93 make Miami blink just a little bit, make them hesitate just a little bit. I think Gator Nation shows up, and they know how to play rivalry games. So, of course, I’m going with Gator Nation because Gator Nation is the only one that gets out alive.”

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.