Chase Robinson and Chris Lee preview Florida vs. Miami in their opening game of the 2024 college football season and share their predictions for the matchup at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.

Both Florida’s Billy Napier and Miami’s Mario Cristobal need to win this one badly.

Miami added one of the best players in the transfer portal in Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward.

The Hurricanes have a loaded receiving room that includes Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George.

Miami returns four of five starters on its offensive line.

Miami’s defensive front seven appears loaded, with Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain returning at end, and big-play linebacker Francisco Mauigoa.

Florida has a solid offense, led by underrated quarterback Graham Mertz, running back Montrell Johnson Jr., and receiver Eugene Wilson III.

The Gators have an experienced offensive line led by Austin Barber.

Florida added defensive line depth in the portal with Joey Slackman (Penn) and George Gumbs (Northern Illinois) that could come in handy on a hot, humid afternoon.

Florida’s reloaded secondary features returnees Jason Marshall and Jordan Castell, and was also bolstered with the additions of Asa Turner (Washington), DJ Douglas (Tulane) and Trikweze Bridges (Oregon).

Oddsmakers have Miami favored by about two points; computers we watch have it as a toss-up. Will Florida’s home-field advantage in The Swamp make the difference here?

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