For the first time since 2019, Florida and Miami will renew their rivalry. The two teams will square off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET in one of the big games on the Week 1 slate, and the offensive player projections have been set, according to PrizePicks.

Both programs are in their third seasons under their respective coaches. Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes were picked third in the ACC preseason poll, while Billy Napier and the Gators are dealing with plenty of pressure after an up-and-down first two seasons. It adds to the intrigue of Saturday’s matchup.

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Graham Mertz is back at quarterback for Florida after transferring in last season. He was efficient, completing 72.9% of his passes for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He has playmakers such as Eugene “Tre” Wilson III and Arlis Boardingham back, along with Montrell Johnson in the backfield.

On the other side, Miami went to work in the transfer portal. The most notable addition came at quarterback as Cam Ward came in from Washington State, and the ‘Canes made a splash by landing former Oregon State star running back Damien Martinez. They both came in as Top-20 players in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

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It’s shaping up to be an interesting showdown at The Swamp Saturday afternoon. Here’s what the offensive player projections look like for Florida vs. Miami, according to PrizePicks.

Graham Mertz, QB, Florida

Pass Yards: 243.5
Pass TDs: 1.5
Interceptions: 0.5

Graham Mertz succeeded Anthony Richardson as Florida’s starting quarterback a season ago, and he’ll look to build on a solid first season in Gainesville. His projection is set at 243.5 pass yards in the season opener against Miami on Saturday, according to PrizePicks.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Pass Yards: 262.5

Cam Ward arrives at Miami after reversing course on the NFL Draft. He’s coming off two impressive years at Washington State, including a career-high 3,736 yards and 25 touchdowns last season as a senior.

Eugene Wilson, WR, Florida

Receiving Yards: 66.5
Receptions: 5.0

Eugene “Tre” Wilson III put together an impressive freshman season and cemented himself as one of Graham Mertz’s top targets at Florida with 538 yards and six touchdowns. With Ricky Pearsall off to the NFL, he could get even more work, and PrizePicks lists his projection at 66.5 receiving yards in Saturday’s opener.

Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami

Receiving Yards: 85.5
Receptions: 6.5

Last year’s leading receiver at Miami, Xavier Restrepo proved to be a strong weapon in the passing game. He led the Hurricanes with 1,092 receiving yards, which sets him up to be a top target for Cam Ward in 2024.

Elijhah Badger, WR, Florida

Receiving Yards: 47.5
Receptions: 4.0

One of Florida’s most notable transfer additions, Elijhah Badger arrives in Gainesville after back-to-back impressive seasons at Arizona State. In 2023, he totaled 713 receiving yards and three touchdowns after an 866-yard, 7-touchdown showing in 2022.

Damien Martinez, RB, Miami

Rush Yards: 73.5

Last season, Damien Martinez cemented himself as one of the best running backs in the Pac-12, and that meant he brought plenty of hype with him to Miami. He’s sure to take on a prominent role, and his projection for the first game is set at 73.5 rush yards, according to PrizePicks.

Treyaun Webb, RB, Florida

Rush Yards: 33.5

Although Billy Napier announced Montrell Johnson will be able to play in the opener, Treyaun Webb is sure to get some looks as RB2 after Trevor Etienne’s departure. He ranked third on the Florida roster with 163 yards as a freshman, and PrizePicks lists his projection at 33.5 rush yards for Saturday’s game.

Jacolby George, WR, Miami

Receiving Yards: 60.5
Receptions: 5.0

Last year’s second-leading rusher, Jacolby George is back at Miami and is sure to once again have a prominent role in the offense. He put together a breakout 2023 season with 864 yards, and his projection is set at 60.5 against Florida, according to PrizePicks.

Arlis Boardingham, WR, Florida

Receptions: 2.0

Arlis Boardingham was a solid safety blanket for Graham Mertz at tight end last year. He had 26 receptions for 289 yards and four touchdowns as he saw his first full season of action.

Florida vs. Miami is sure to be one of the more intriguing games of Week 1 with so many storylines. The game will also be part of the first day of the SEC on ABC, kicking off in the coveted 3:30 p.m. ET window.

Two head coaches both under .500 in two seasons are in need of a statement win early on in this SEC vs. ACC matchup as Miami and Florida meet in college football’s Week 1 action on Saturday.

Mario Cristobal and Billy Napier were heralded as the men tagged to resurrect their respective football programs, but now the Hurricanes and Gators coaches are both facing serious pressure to right the ship and record a needed early W this season.

Florida faces arguably college football’s toughest overall schedule, especially in the second half of the year, so this game means a little more for them, while Miami is hoping to score a win against an SEC team as it makes a case as the next team to beat in the ACC.

What can we expect from the matchup? Here’s what you should watch out for as Miami and Florida square off from The Swamp, with our updated prediction for the game.

How to watch

When: Sat., Aug. 31
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network

Miami vs. Florida game odds

Miami: -2.5 (-110)
Florida: +2.5 (-110)

Miami to win: -137
Florida to win: +114

Over 54.5 points (-105)
Under 54.5 points (-115)

FPI picks: UF 57.7% | MIA 42.3%

What to watch for

1. The U’s new guys. Working behind a decent line are two top-flight transfer pickups: quarterback Cameron Ward, a dual threat who had 33 all-purpose touchdowns and 3,736 passing yards last season, and tailback Damien Martinez, who posted almost 1,200 yards a year ago and averages 6.1 yards per rush with 16 scores in his career. They could generate momentum against a Gator defense that allowed 6.4 yards per play last season.

2. Testing Miami’s secondary. A relative weakness on the team remains this pass defense after losing some important contributors from a year ago. Florida has the perimeter speed on a receiving corps led by Eugene Wilson to test that alignment, and while quarterback Graham Mertz is efficient, he’s not exactly known for his long ball, either.

3. Battle on the ground. Florida’s backs may struggle finding running lanes against a Hurricanes front seven unit that placed 2nd in the ACC by allowing just under 106 yards on the ground per game last season and only improved after scoring some decent transfer acquisitions. Montrell Johnson leads the Gators’ ground attack, though he’s coming off a knee surgery.

Miami vs. Florida prediction

On paper, Miami has the superior offensive rotation, but it’s not clear exactly how well acclimated the unit will be in the first game of the season. Early stumbles could throw a monkey wrench into the Hurricanes’ momentum early on, something Florida could take advantage of on its home field.

Graham Mertz posted good numbers a year ago, but the Gators quarterback does struggle when it comes to consistently testing the deeper portion of the field. Still, Miami’s relative weakness on the back end could play into his hands and help Florida exploit the deeper passing lanes.

But over time, the Hurricanes have more variety in their offensive skill threats and the superior alignment up front to prevent the Gators from gaining too much rhythm on the ground.

College Football HQ picks…

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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8am: Breakfast at Jimmy’s

On a strip that includes the 1950s Vagabond Hotel, this diner on Biscayne Boulevard doesn’t look like much on first glance. But this local favourite is the original neighbourhood greasy spoon, filled with leatherette booths that stick to bare legs. Here, oversized portions of American classics — including grits, homefried potatoes, eggs and corned beef hash — are served on multiple plates. There’s unlimited coffee, too.

10am: Explore Morningside

Walk off any overindulgence on the shady streets of the Morningside neighbourhood, a mile south. Look out for the architectural tributes to Bauhaus, art deco and Mediterranean Modern, in buildings with tell-tale turrets and Spanish roofs, or explore Morningside Park, which runs beside the bay with a few tiny coconut-littered beaches. A ramshackle boathouse rents kayaks and paddleboards here from 10am.

12.30pm: Tour the Design District

Stroll south into the one-time warehouse district, which developers have slowly transformed into the equivalent of Times Square for the artistic. Public sculptures installed here range from the larger-than-life — like the 10ft-tall crushed solo cup — to the interactive, with an adult-sized swing set painted mint green.

1.30pm: Lunch at Elastika

The Moore is one of multiple members’ clubs that now call the disused furniture showrooms of the Design District home. Its restaurant, Elastika is open to the public — try the kingfish crudo with fermented farro, local kohlrabi and cucumber agua chile. The 1920s atrium, with its moss-green banquettes and potted palms, sits under a giant sculpture by Zaha Hadid that takes the form of an alien-looking white web.

3.30pm: Get arty in South Beach

Hop in a taxi to cross the bay en route to historic Collins Avenue, which acts as the gateway to South Beach. It begins at The Bass, with its thorough collection of contemporary art installed in a former art deco library, flanked by swaying coconut palms. These days, it provides a platform for bold new acquisitions from young Latino artists alongside donations from Miami’s rich and famous.

5pm: Stroll Ocean Drive

Track the passage of time in the city with a wander along Ocean Drive, which has been preserved from its mid-century heyday. Join one of the dedicated tours of its white-stucco facades with Miami’s Design Preservation League, and keep an eye out for Casa Casuarina, the baroque manor that was once occupied by designer Gianni Versace before his murder here on the front steps. For sunset, you’ll find the best spot in South Pointe Park with its painted lighthouse.

8pm: Dinner at Doce Provisions

Back across the bay, in Little Havana, this popular taco joint is your best spot for dinner. If you haven’t managed to score a table, fear not: the chefs have perfected a portable asado bun, a bit like a plump taco filled with pork and pineapple confit, served with croquettes stuffed with cheese and sticky guava marmalade.

9pm: Party at Ball & Chain

This 1930s location on 8th Street made its name by attracting theatre-goers who still had energy to burn. Over the decades, people started to come from further afield for its burlesque shows and musical line-up — with a late 5am finish. Practically all that’s changed today is the sound system and the curfew — it’s a more reasonable 3am now. Patrons still dress for dancing, including on-leave sailors.