For the first time since 2013, the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators will meet.
This time, it will be at Camping World Stadium in Orlando tonight (7 p.m. ET kickoff; ESPN).
The Hurricanes and Gators have history. This rivalry is the longest in the state, with the first game being played in 1938.
Over the course of the series, the Hurricanes lead the series 29-26, and won the 2013 game between the two teams.
This time, however, the stakes are different.
The Miami Hurricanes are coming off a 7-6 season, and a loss to Wisconsin in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. In December, Mark Richt resigned from the head coach position, forcing the Hurricanes to promote defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to head coach.
Despite redshirt freshman Jarren Williams being named the starting quarterback during fall camp, the Hurricanes return multiple key players on offense, including at running back and receiver.
Running back DeeJay Dallas, wide receiver Jeff Thomas, and tight end Brevin Jordan return for another season, meaning that Williams will have plenty of skill position players to throw the ball to.
On defense, the Hurricanes return a war chest of talent, including Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney, who rank as two of the best linebackers in the nation. The defensive line also brings back Lake Worth alumnus Jon Garvin, who is poised for a big season.
The Hurricanes will have their hands full, however.
The Gators return a lot of their offensive skill position players from last season’s 10-2 and Peach Bowl season, including quarterback Feleipe Franks.
The Miami defense is tasked with finding answers for Van Jefferson, Lamical Perine, and do-it-all standout Kadarius Toney, who could produce matchup nightmares for the Canes.
On defense, keep an eye on the Gators cornerback duo of CJ Henderson and Marco Wilson.
Florida has one of the best cornerback tandems in the nation, and those two (Henderson and Wilson) are why. Henderson is a lockdown corner, who may keep Jeff Thomas or KJ Osborn out of the game.
SCORE PREDICTION: This game can go either way.
As talented as Miami is, Florida has just as much talent. Both sides will come into this game ready, so expect the game to be close.
In the end, I think the Hurricanes will win in a close one, 24-21.
