Florida vs Miami 2019 College Football Week 1 Odds & Betting Preview

The University of Florida and the University of Miami will meet for the 56th time on Saturday, in a rivalry that dates back to 1938. The two teams play for the Florida Cup as part of a round robin competition that also involves Florida State University. Miami has won 29 of the 55 meetings so far in the series — and seven of the last eight. The two teams last met in 2013, and Miami won, 21-16. The rivalry has featured some of the more interesting moments in college football, such as in 1980, when Miami was leading 28-7 and Florida fans started pelting oranges at the Hurricane players and coaches, so Miami’s coach, Howard Schnellenberger, used a timeout to kick a field goal on the game’s last play. The 31-7 victory served to rub the Gator fans’ noses in the loss. Who will win this year? Don’t miss our sports betting preview.

Florida vs Miami 2019 College Football Week 1 Odds & Betting Preview

Opportunity Awaits… 📰: https://t.co/ucXlOCAxJr #UFvsMIAMI pic.twitter.com/nB6tb6p3XA

— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 21, 2019

When: Saturday, August 24, 2019, 7:00pm ET Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL TV: ESPN Radio: WRUF (Gainesville, FL) / WQAM 560 AM (Miami) Live Stream: ESPN+ College Football Week 1 Odds: Miami +7.5 / O/U 50.5

Why should you bet on Florida?

Florida had a solid 2018, going 10-3 and 5-3 in SEC play. They were ranked #7 in the national AP rankings at the end of the season, and they rolled over Michigan by 26 points in the Peach Bowl. Dan Mullen returns to lead the Gators for a second season. Florida returns a solid receiving corps and an experienced starting quarterback, so they should have what it takes to move the ball against Miami. The Gators have covered in five consecutive non-conference games and in eight of their last 11 overall. However, they have only covered twice in their last seven games against ACC opponents. If you like Florida, you see them dominating a Miami team still trying to iron out its schemes under a new head coach, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Why should you put your money on Miami?

Miami went 7-6 in 2018, including a 4-4 record in the ACC. They ended up bowling in New York City, losing to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl. Manny Diaz now takes the reins as coach of the Hurricanes, and redshirt freshman Jarren Williams will direct the offense. There is a great deal of optimism among Hurricane fans, but there is also a great deal of change — and often the first few weeks for teams in this situation are somewhat chaotic. Miami has started well in recent years, covering in four of their last five August contests. However, they have only covered twice in their last eight games overall and just once in their last ten games played at a neutral site. Diaz is a former defensive coordinator, so expect to see the Hurricanes put out a solid scheme against a Florida team that had a number of starters leave on their offensive line and will be looking to build chemistry.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Rivalry games such as this one almost always finish close because of the spirit on both sides of the ball. However, the rivalry between Miami and Florida is intermittent — none of the players for either side will have played one another before, as it has been six seasons since they met. So this doesn’t have the same spirit as such yearly matchups as Texas-Oklahoma or Michigan-Ohio State. Florida looks at least a season ahead of Miami in terms of putting scheme together and getting a system up and running. With that established organization in place, I see Miami taking it to the Gators and, while the first half might be close, Miami should pull away for the win. I predict a final score of Miami 27, Florida 17.