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.