I like Florida in this game for a few reasons: better talent at all positions except maybe LB and that’s because Miami returns three 4-year starters, not because UF doesn’t have players there. Everywhere else I like Florida. Add in a Miami Freshman QB making his first career start, brand new head coach and brand new offense.
But opening games are always tricky, fluky stuff can happen and you’ve got the added disadvantage of not being able to study game film to get tendencies of the opposing team. If UF avoids wacky things like a tipped-pass pick six, or giving up some huge special teams play, or getting beat on a wild trick play or something, I think they’ll win by two+ scores.
Worse case scenario for UF is the o-line breaks down because it hasn’t jelled yet and gets Franks murdered, and they can’t run the ball, and all those bad things that come with poor o-line play. If that happens I think Miami can win a close game because I also can’t see Miami’s offense racking up big points against UF’s defense.
Miami has the defense to keep it close and they probably will keep it close for a half, but eventually I think UF pulls away.
Florida - 34
Miami - 16