x
Breaking News
More () »

Rivalry Renewed: Florida, Miami set to meet for first time since

Former colleagues Dan Mullen, Manny Diaz meet again in Orlando
Credit: AP
FILE - At left, in an Aug. 6, 2019, file photo, Miami head football coach Manny Diaz prepares to blow his whistle during an NCAA college football practice at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. At right, in an Oct. 6, 2018, file photo, Florida head coach Dan Mullen watches players warm up before an NCAA college football game against LSU in Gainesville, Fla. Florida and Miami have the college football stage to themselves for 3 ½ hours Saturday, a new chapter in their once-heated and forever-storied rivalry.(AP Photo/File)

All eyes will be on the Sunshine State Saturday night as the 150th season of college football kicks off with the University of Florida and University of Miami at Camping World Stadium.

Saturday's season opener marks the first time the two foes have met since 2013, a 21-16 Miami victory. The Hurricanes leads the all-time series 29 games to 26 games; they have also won seven of the last eight meetings. 

Former defensive coordinator-turned-head coach Manny Diaz makes his debut as the head man for the 'Canes, facing off with the man he worked for during two stints at Mississippi State: Dan Mullen. Mullen and the Gators are coming off a 10-3, Peach Bowl-winning season in his first season in Gainesville. The Hurricanes finished 2018 7-6 with a loss in the Pinstripe Bowl to Wisconsin. 

Several First Coast natives headline Miami's roster, including:

- RB DeeJay Dallas (Glynn Academy)

- WR Jeremiah Payton (Fletcher)

- WR Marshall Few (Ponte Vedra)

- LB Shaquille Quarterman (Oakleaf)

- LB Michael Pinckney (Raines)

- TE Will Mallory (Providence)

Wide receiver Rick Wells (Raines) represents the First Coast on the Gators' roster. 

First Coast News has a crew in Orlando and will have post-game reaction and updates throughout the game.

Before You Leave, Check This Out