CFB insider reveals key Florida factor that can be trouble for Miami ahead of Week 1 clash

College football insider Randy Cross believes the Florida Gators will pull off the upset against the Miami Hurricanes in Week 1. Florida is set to host Miami in a pivotal matchup on Saturday at 3:30 pm ET.

The Gators are 2.5-point underdogs, but Cross thinks Florida matches up well against the Hurricanes.

"I think the Gators are going to win this game," Cross said on CBS Sports. "Graham Mertz, I believe, is going to be the difference in this game. The Gator defense will show up, they're not going to impress the heck out of you, but I think Miami's going to be in a little bit of trouble."

Although Cross thinks quarterback Graham Mertz will be the difference, the other panelists think Miami has the team that can shut down Florida and get a big road win in Week 1.

Mertz is back for his second season at Florida after spending four years at Wisconsin. Last season, he went 261-for-368 for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Florida coach calls Miami a 'great challenge'

The Florida Gators have a tough game in Week 1 against the Miami Hurricanes.

Ahead of the matchup, Florida coach Billy Napier heaped praise on Miami's roster.

"They have a very talented roster. You do your homework about the recruiting classes, and certainly the players they've added to their team in the portal," Napier said, via 247Sports. "So this presents a great challenge, one that I would like to say we've been preparing for going all the way back to January."

The Hurricanes enter the 2024 season with a new quarterback in Cam Ward, who they landed in the transfer portal from Washington State.

"I feel like I've been watching Cam Ward forever," Napier added. "No, I think he's obviously been very productive. You look at the yards, the touchdowns, the completion percentage, multiple stops. I do think that his ability to extend the play is a part of the game, will be a key factor in the game. But he's got arm talent."

The game will be at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, with kickoff set at 3:30 pm ET. The game will be shown on ABC.