Gators (1-0) vs. USF (1-0), Saturday, 4:15 p.m., SEC Network
Latest line: Gators are favored by 17 1/2 points
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: Gators 35, USF 24
The Gators were hoping USF would be just another tuneup before their murderer’s row of upcoming games against No. 3 LSU, No. 5 Miami, No. 7 Texas and No. 19 Texas A&M, but the Bulls will not go quietly. The Bulls’ 34-7 stunner last Thursday night against No. 25 Boise State certainly got UF’s attention. The Gators should win, but it won’t be easy.
Edgar Thompson, Florida Gators writer: Gators 34, USF 17
Florida dominated a warm-up game with LIU, but could have their hands full with the Bulls, beginning with 6-foot-3, 232-pound dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown. USF’s 34-7 rout of Boise State, the gold standard of the Group of Five, surely grabbed the No. 13 Gators’ attention. But the Broncos also shot themselves in the hoof; Boise State lost three fumbles and turned the ball over on downs four times. UF ran a pristine operation, with no turnovers or penalties against LIU. The defense also pitched its first shutout under Billy Napier. Napier’s offense now needs to take a step in Week 2 after looking clunky too often with quarterback DJ Lagway understandably rusty after an injury-riddled offseason.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Gators 37, USF 17
UF’s brutal schedule just got a little more difficult with USF and FSU posting convincing victories last week. USF stunned No. 25 Boise State 34-7 as dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown threw for 210 yards and had scoring runs of 23 and 15 yards. The Bulls also forced three fumbles. The Gators trounced outmanned LIU 55-0 and won’t have a letdown with a sellout crowd of nearly 90,000 looking on. UF also has extra incentive knowing road games at LSU and Miami await over the next two weeks, followed by a game against Texas. Quarterback DJ Lagway and UF’s swarming defense will be up for the challenge.
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes writer: Gators 38, USF 20
Everything went off without a hitch in Florida’s season-opening win against overmatched FCS opponent Long Island. The Bulls had the more notable season opener, taking down ranked Boise State, the Group of 5 playoff representative from 2024, in a dominant 34-7 home win. USF quarterback Byrum Brown, a 6-foot-3, 232-pound bruiser, is a handful to defend and will likely be able to make plays even against a strong Florida defense. The Gators are good enough to put the Bulls away over the course of four quarters, but this game could be surprisingly close at halftime.
