Greg McElroy picks Miami over Florida

Miami takes on Florida on the road in a headline Week 1 matchup to kick off the 2024 regular season this weekend.

The Hurricanes are slight betting favorites over the Gators in The Swamp as many see this in-state rivalry matchup come down to the wire. ESPN’s Greg McElroy recently weighed in on the matchup, where he made his pick on who he expects to emerge victorious on Saturday.

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“I’m taking Miami,” McElroy said. “I think their weaponry is too much for Florida. I still have to see it to believe it. With Florida’s progress defensively, I do think Billy Napier and company can shrink the game because I think they’ll be able to run the football with some effectiveness, but I’m not sure they’re going to be able to manufacture enough big plays against a questionable secondary for Miami. That’s the one question mark on Miami’s roster. Is their secondary going to be good enough to cover down against quality weapons?

“I think Florida has good receivers. I think they have good pieces in the passing game, but I don’t know if they’re going to put as much fear into Miami’s secondary as Miami will put fear into Florida’s secondary. I’m taking Miami, but I expect that game to be really, really close as well.”

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Many see new Miami quarterback Cam Ward as being the x-factor for the ‘Canes this season. Ward transferred into the program from Washington State last season, and as the 2024 ACC Preseason Player of the Year, is expected to lead the effort in turning Miami into a College Football Playoff contender this season.

Last season, Ward completed 66.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,735 yards, with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. This year, he’ll have the likes of Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, Sam Brown and Isaiah Horton at his disposal out wide to produce even greater numbers.

That won’t be happening if Florida’s defense has anything to say about it, however. The Gators being able to keep Ward off the field and Miami on defense will be a major factor in defending The Swamp.

For both teams, those efforts begin on Saturday Miami travels to Gainesville to open the season. The ‘Canes matchup against in-state rival Florida is set for Saturday, Aug. 31 with the opening kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC.