Miami (0-0) at Florida (0-0)
- When: Aug 31 2024, 3:30 PM
- Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
- Where to watch: ABC
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Miami Florida (#19) @ Florida
Moneyline
Miami Florida (#19) -140
Florida +120
Miami Florida (#19) @ Florida
Point Spread
Miami Florida (#19) -2.5 (-120)
Florida 2.5 (EVEN)
Miami Florida (#19) @ Florida
Total
Over 54.0 (-110)
Under 54.0 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Passing Team Leaders:
Miami: Cam Ward 3732 Yds
Florida: Graham Mertz 2903 Yds
Team Stats
| Hurricanes | Gators | |
| 0-0 | Record | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Away & Home | 0-0 |
| – | Last 10 | – |
| – | Streak | – |
Last Matchup:
Florida 24-20, August 24th, 2019
Game Preview
The Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators kick off their season in Gainesville, Fla., this Saturday, reigniting a fierce rivalry with plenty at stake.
Ranked 19th in the AP preseason poll, Miami holds a narrow 29-27 lead in the series history. The teams last clashed in Orlando for their 2019 season openers, but haven’t faced off in Gainesville since a 2008 encounter that saw Florida prevail 26-3. Miami’s most recent victory at Florida’s home ground came in 2002 following their latest national championship triumph.
This game marks the start of a home-and-home series, with Florida scheduled to visit Miami next year, a back-to-back hosting arrangement that hasn’t occurred since 2003.
Miami’s head coach Mario Cristobal emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "Motivation is intrinsic in football, especially when rivalry games elevate the intensity. But real victories are secured in the offseason and through rigorous practices throughout the week. It’s about being prepared well before game day."
Both teams have distinct ambitions for the season. Miami boasts a strong roster, aiming to leverage a win to contend for the ACC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Florida, under coach Billy Napier, faces a tough schedule that puts Napier in a precarious position despite internal optimism.
Miami’s offense is spearheaded by quarterback Cam Ward, a transfer from Washington State and a Heisman hopeful. The Hurricanes have also added talents like Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez and have key returnees like receiver Xavier Restrepo.
Defensively, Miami is bolstered by Rueben Bain, a top-ranked edge defender.
Napier acknowledged Miami’s strengths, noting, "Miami’s roster is incredibly talented, from their recruiting to their strategic additions via the transfer portal. It sets up a formidable challenge, one we’ve been prepping for since January."
Napier and Cristobal, having previously worked together under Nick Saban at Alabama, bring a deep familiarity into this matchup.
Florida’s offensive efforts will be led by returning quarterback Graham Mertz, with Montrell Johnson Jr. stepping up as the primary running back following key transfers. Trey Wilson III returns as Florida’s leading receiver from last season.
This game not only rekindles an old rivalry but also sets the tone for both teams’ seasons moving forward.
NCAA Football Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Miami 32-26
The Pick: Miami -2½ (-120) & Over 54
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $350
- NCAAF Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
