Get the AC blasting and the cold drinks flowing—week one of college football is finally here! We’re kicking off in Gainesville, Florida, where the Florida Gators will host the #19 Miami Hurricanes. With both head coaches under pressure, the stakes are high as they battle to secure their jobs. Who will emerge victorious? Let’s dive into the matchup!
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To start off the college football season I am 0-2 down -4.5 units.
#19 Miami (FL) vs Florida Odds
Miami vs Florida odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Football games.
Florida Gators starting quarterback, Graham Mertz calling plays at the line
Spread
Miami: -3.0 (-103)
Florida: +3.0 (-117)
Total
Over: 54.0 (-110)
Under: 54.0 (-110)
Moneyline
Miami: -145
Florida: +125
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#19 Miami (FL) vs Florida Predictions
The Stank:
I mentioned it last week, and I was right: the most dangerous teams at the start of the season are those that return the most players. These teams build continuity and confidence that can energize their performance.
In this matchup, Florida stands out. The Gators return several key starters, including quarterback Graham Mertz, running back Montrell Johnson Jr., and wide receiver Trey Wilson III. According to 24/7 Sports, they’re ranked in the top 25 for returning starters. Overall, they return 15 starters—eight on offense, five on defense, and two on special teams.
In contrast, Miami returns 13 starters: six on offense, five on defense, and two on special teams.
There’s a lot of hype around the Hurricanes this offseason. They brought in Cam Ward from the transfer portal to replace Tyler Van Dyke, and there’s excitement about having a competent quarterback. They also bolstered their defense with six new additions. While Mario Cristobal is an excellent motivator, I have reservations about him, especially facing such a challenging environment as The Swamp in Week 1.
Despite the high total, I don’t expect this game to be a high-scoring affair. Both head coaches are under pressure to perform and will likely adopt a more conservative approach. Additionally, with the game kicking off at 4:30 Eastern, the temperature will be around 90 degrees. Playing in Florida’s intense heat and humidity can be grueling, even for players accustomed to it.
The Swamp is notoriously tough for visiting teams, and with both coaches fighting for their jobs, this game is likely to be as close as the spread suggests. I have a soft spot for underdogs, and especially for the Gators at home in The Swamp.
Prediction: Florida Wins & Covers
Best Bet: Florida (+3.0) & Game Under 54.0 on BetOnline
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