Will Muschamp Florida
Florida head coach Will Muschamp. Reuters

The battle for the Sunshine State kicks into high gear on Saturday afternoon, as the Miami Hurricanes host the No. 12 ranked Florida Gators at Sun Life Stadium.

It is the first time the two teams have met since 2008, and according to reports, they won’t be playing again for quite some time due to Florida's need for more home games outside of their SEC schedule. The showcase will feature two top running backs, each with a chance to lift their teams to victory.

A win for the Hurricanes could earn them a Top 25 ranking, as they build off a 34-6 trouncing of Florida Atlantic last week. Sophomore running back Duke Johnson rushed for 186 yards and a touchdown, and the Miami defense allowed only two field goals and 3.1 yards per rush from the Owls.

Johnson was the top rusher in the first week of the college season, while quarterback Stephen Morris went 15-for-27 for 160 yards, a touchdown and a pick. It was an an underwhelming game overall for Morris, but the Hurricanes managed 303 yards on the ground.

Miami’s Allen Hurns led all receivers in catches with five for 34 yards, and sophomore Herb Waters had two catches for 49 yards.

The Gators had similar results against Toledo last week, with a 24-6 victory capped by 112 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries from junior running back Mack Brown. Florida managed to convert almost 20 minutes more time of possession into 415 offensive yards, and limited Toledo to two field goals as well.Junior quarterback Jeff Driskel went a solid 17-for-22 for 153 yards and touchdown to fullback Gideon Ajagbe.

The game kicks-off at 12 p.m. ET time and a live online stream is available at Watch ESPN here.

TV Channel

ESPN will have the national broadcast.

Betting Odds: Florida is favored by 3 points.

Over/Under: 48 points

Prediction: Miami 27, Florida 21

Florida ESPN+ Football