Florida and Miami’s rivalry has a history of early-season clashes, with the Gators winning in 2019 and 2008, while the Hurricanes took the victories in 2013 and 2003. As they prepare to meet again, both programs have much at stake, but the focus is on Miami’s new quarterback, Cam Ward, who’s generating Heisman buzz and fueling playoff hopes.
Ward, who transferred from Washington State, brings impressive credentials to the Hurricanes. In two seasons with the Cougars, he threw for 48 touchdowns and added 13 more on the ground. Now, he steps into a Miami offense loaded with talent, including elite receiver Xavier Restrepo and Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez. Martinez will work behind an offensive line that’s set to dominate, with three returning starters and the addition of a former five-star recruit.
While Ward will face an SEC defense, the Florida Gators may not present the typical challenges associated with that conference. Last season, the Gators struggled defensively, surrendering big plays and managing three interceptions. Ward has been known to take risks, especially in hostile environments, but Florida’s defense might not be equipped to capitalize on those mistakes.
A strong start is crucial for the Gators as head coach Billy Napier faces mounting pressure. However, their rebuilt defensive front must significantly improve to slow Miami’s balanced attack. If the Gators can’t contain Martinez and Ward, it could be a long day for Napier and his squad.
Graham Mertz returns for the Gators at quarterback, and while he doesn’t exactly light it up, he does protect the football. Mertz only threw three interceptions in 2023 compared to 20 TD passes. He will be able to move the ball on a solid Canes defense, but the Gator defense will give up too much for Florida to win this one.
Prediction: Miami 31 – Florida 27
Best Bets: Miami -2.5, Over 54.5
- Moneyline
Texas A&M -150 / Notre Dame +125
- Location
Kyle Field | College Station, Texas
- Predicted Weather at Kick
87* Mostly Cloudy
This game is expected to be a defensive showdown, with Texas A&M’s defense showing marked improvement. The Aggies have bolstered their lineup with former Purdue standout Nic Scourton, who is anticipated to be a major force against opposing offenses. Additionally, the secondary has been strengthened by the transfers of cornerbacks Trey Jones and BJ Mayes, creating one of the deepest units in the SEC.
The key factor will be Texas A&M’s defensive front, which has the talent to disrupt Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and force him into difficult throws.
Ultimately, this will be a hard-fought contest between two strong teams, but the electric atmosphere at Kyle Field will prove too much for the Irish, leading to their fourth consecutive road loss against a ranked opponent.
Prediction: Texas A&M 24, Notre Dame 17
The Best Bet: Texas A&M -3
James Madison vs Charlotte
- Moneyline
JMU -345 / Charlotte +270
- Location
Jerry Richardson Stadium | Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte’s football team is already in a tough spot heading into Week 1, with head coach Biff Poggi revealing that several key starters will be sidelined due to injuries. This is a significant setback for a 49ers squad already facing low expectations and a conservative preseason win total.
On the other side, James Madison enters the season with momentum, coming off an impressive 11-2 record last year. Under new head coach Bob Chesney, the Dukes have high hopes, and their matchup against Charlotte draws considerable interest from sharp bettors.
Charlotte’s offense struggled mightily last season, averaging just 17.5 points per game, the second-lowest in the American Athletic Conference. Trexler Ivey returns, but after throwing four touchdowns and ten interceptions in limited action, he’ll be replaced by Florida transfer Max Brown. Brown, who made one start at Florida against Florida State, completed 9 of 16 passes for 86 yards and an interception. Despite the change at quarterback, the 49ers will likely lean on a run-first approach, but they’ll face a challenge against a James Madison defense that was dominant last year.
However, JMU’s defense might see a dip in performance this season due to the departure of key players, some of whom followed former coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana. In 2023, the Dukes were among the top five nationally against the run and tenth against the pass.
Still, with new faces on the roster, including Division II transfer Jordan Taylor and UConn transfer Chris Shearin in the secondary, it remains to be seen if they can maintain that level of success.
On the defensive line, Eric O’Neill, named NEC Defensive Player of the Year at Long Island last season, will anchor the front. O’Neill recorded 80 tackles, including 23.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks in 2023, and will be crucial in JMU’s effort to stifle Charlotte’s offense. The matchup will hinge on whether Charlotte can overcome their injury woes and whether JMU’s retooled defense can replicate last season’s dominance.
The reality is that Charlotte is just a bit too banged up to pull this one off. Despite Brown leading the Niners on offense, they won’t score enough to stay in this one.
Prediction: JMU 27, Charlotte 17
Best Bet: JMU -8.5
