The University of Florida returns to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday afternoon for what could be a tricky matchup for the No. 13 Gators against in-state foe South Florida.
The Gators (1-0) are coming off a dominant season-opening 55-0 victory over Long Island University, a game that allowed sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway and true freshman backup Trammel Jones Jr. to settle into rhythm. UF head coach Billy Napier’s team is looking to build momentum before SEC play begins at Louisiana State the following week, but the Gators know their margin for error is slim against a Bulls team that arrives in Gainesville with confidence and talent.
USF (1-0) is coming off a statement win -- 34-7 over then-No. 25 Boise State -- a result that quickly gained the attention of Napier and the Gators. Bulls third-year head coach Alex Golesh has his team playing an up-tempo offense and swarming defense. This meeting with UF offers another chance to showcase Bulls dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown against a Power Four opponent. Napier said Thursday it’s critical that his defense disrupts Brown and force the Bulls into third-and-long situations.
For USF, an upset would mark a program-defining victory. For Florida, the challenge is proving its Week 1 dominance of FCS program LIU wasn’t solely a product of over-matched competition.
Here's everything to know before Florida faces the University of South Florida Indiana faces Old Dominion on Saturday afternoon ...
How to watch South Florida vs Florida
Who: University of South Florida Bulls (1-0) vs. University of Florida Gators (1-0) What: Non-conference game between American Athletic Conference USF and Southeastern Conference Florida When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 4:15 p.m. ET Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Fl. TV: SEC Network
Streaming: Watch LIVE with Fubo! (Regional restrictions may apply) Announcers: Dave Neal (play-by-play), Fozzy Whittaker (analyst), Morgan Uber (reporter) Radio: Gator Sports Network (Station List) and SiriusXM 160 or 190 (SiriusXM App). Pre-game coverage starts at 12:45 p.m. ET
Radio Announcers: Sean Kelley (play-by-play), Shane Matthews (analyst), Tate Casey (reporter) Point spread: The Gators are an 18.5 favorite, and the over/under is set at 56.5 points, according to Draft Kings Sportsbook
Last season's records: USF finished the 2024 campaign 7-6 overall and 4-4 in the AAC. Florida went 8-5 and 4-4 in the SEC
Series history: This marks the fourth meeting between USF and Florida, with the Gators winning all three previous games. The last time the two teams met, in The Swamp in 2022, Florida built a 24-13 halftime lead and held on to edge the Bulls 31-28.
Weather: According to The Weather Channel, kickoff conditions will be 91 degrees, partly cloudy and a 24% chance of rain.