This article is part of our College Football Picks series.
Chris' Picks
Slim pickings with only two games scheduled Saturday in what Greg and I are loosely labeling as a preseason for us. I'm also hamstrung a little by my extreme homerism for the Hurricanes, where I can be overly critical to a fault.
Under 47 Miami vs. Florida at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
Both sides set up similarly to me. While Miami is breaking in raw redshirt freshman Jarren Williams under center, Florida counters with an inconsistent Feleipe Franks. Both teams have ample talent, where Miami may have more experience, but Florida better chemistry. Both have huge questions along the offensive line, which could make Miami's front seven defensively an advantage, but the Gators counter with a better secondary. The hope in me as a fan is that Miami's new coaching staff comes out aggressively, and hits Florida a few times early before its more experienced staff has a chance to adjust. Once that happens, I'd expect a slugfest in the trenches, where Miami has been embarrassed previously by more physical teams like LSU and Wisconsin last year and Clemson and Wisconsin in 2017. My heart says the new attitude in Coral Gables, and the defense, keep this close. But we've heard that forever with Miami, and until we see it, there's no reason to bank on it. I think both defenses are considerably ahead of both offenses, which has my preferred choice being under 47. Tread lightly however, as the total has dropped 3.5 points
Chris' Picks
Slim pickings with only two games scheduled Saturday in what Greg and I are loosely labeling as a preseason for us. I'm also hamstrung a little by my extreme homerism for the Hurricanes, where I can be overly critical to a fault.
Under 47 Miami vs. Florida at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
Both sides set up similarly to me. While Miami is breaking in raw redshirt freshman Jarren Williams under center, Florida counters with an inconsistent Feleipe Franks. Both teams have ample talent, where Miami may have more experience, but Florida better chemistry. Both have huge questions along the offensive line, which could make Miami's front seven defensively an advantage, but the Gators counter with a better secondary. The hope in me as a fan is that Miami's new coaching staff comes out aggressively, and hits Florida a few times early before its more experienced staff has a chance to adjust. Once that happens, I'd expect a slugfest in the trenches, where Miami has been embarrassed previously by more physical teams like LSU and Wisconsin last year and Clemson and Wisconsin in 2017. My heart says the new attitude in Coral Gables, and the defense, keep this close. But we've heard that forever with Miami, and until we see it, there's no reason to bank on it. I think both defenses are considerably ahead of both offenses, which has my preferred choice being under 47. Tread lightly however, as the total has dropped 3.5 points since opening. Line movement putting this spread over a touchdown for Florida is also tough. Head says 24-14 Florida, heart says more like 24-21 Florida.
Hawaii (+10.5) vs. Arizona
This matchup is a stark contrast to the above, where defense figures to be optional. The big question is whether Arizona made any strides on that side of the ball? The Wildcats ranked 121st against the pass and 98th in points allowed a year ago, giving up 32.6 points per game. Hawaii returns 18 starters, including quarterback Cole McDonald, now fully healthy, and top targets Cedric Byrd and JoJo Ward, while also welcoming former Cal top recruit Melquise Stovall to the fold. There's little doubt they will score points. Arizona should have Khalil Tate in a healthier version than 2019, but will the offense allow his skill set to play? Arizona's travel shouldn't be discredited, as it's still a 3,000-mile journey for the Cats, equivalent to an east-west trip. The Rainbow Warriors are always tough at home, and I think they'll score enough to at least keep this inside 10 points. Also have a small interest on the moneyline. I don't love the total of 74 as I still trust defense over offense early in the year. But given a likely continuity for at least Hawaii, if I had to choose a side, I'd go over.
Last Season: 40-29-1
GREG'S PICKS
We are back for another season, hoping to build on what is now consecutive winning seasons. I'm +15 units over the last two seasons. Not breaking the bank, but not too bad either. This week we look at the short two-game slate. While it's always risky wagering on games this early, there might be an angle we can attack.
Miami (+7.5) vs. Florida
It's early and there's not much to go on other than the way these teams looked last season and anything that happened in the offseason. The latter is where I am focusing as I think the Hurricanes come out with some extra fire after getting the coach they really wanted in Manny Diaz. Florida appeared to be on the upswing last season and that could be the case, but this is a decent-sized chunk to lay in the first week of the season.
Arizona (-10.5) at Hawaii
Arizona got off to a terrible start last season as it wasn't sure how to grow the game of all-world QB Khalil Tate. But after a sluggish start, the Wildcats figured things out and by the end of the season, Tate was once again killing defenses with his arm and legs. Hawaii is always tough to gauge, and while it looks like the offense will be sound, the defense again will be in question. The total is set a bit too high for a season opener, so I'll stick with just the Cats.
Last Season: 37-32
