Florida vs. Florida Atlantic prediction, odds, spread, line, over/under & betting info for NCAA Week 1

Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones. (Syndication: Unknown)
Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones. (Syndication: Unknown) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Florida Gators start their season on Saturday against the Florida Atlantic Owls. What should we expect from the opener?

Gator football is almost here with the Week 1 matchup against FAU fast approaching.

Florida started last season well, but things fell apart in December. They were upset by LSU, fell to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game and were trounced by Oklahoma in a bowl game. They need to prove they can still contend for the conference title despite losing key players like Kyle Trask and Kyle Pitts.

The Owls went 5-4 last year, also falling in their final three matchups. Head coach Willie Taggart would love to make waves with an upset to start his second season on the job.

Realistically, the FAU game won’t answer the question. It’s more about avoiding a slip-up than anything.

Florida vs. Florida Atlantic odds for Week 1

The home team has the clear edge as a 24.5-point favorite over the Owls.

Florida injury report vs. FAU in Week 1

The Gators will be without starting cornerback Jaydon Hill with a torn ACL, which was an unwelcome development since they already had multiple starters in the secondary to replace.

Florida vs. Florida Atlantic prediction for Week 1

It’ll be interesting to see how well Dan Mullen fills the gaps, especially in the secondary. Even more eyes will be on Emory Jones taking over the starting quarterback job.

Things could certainly go wrong for the Gators. The first game of the season with a new quarterback can be tricky. However, it looks highly unlikely growing pains turn into any serious danger against this FAU team. They don’t have that special element that makes them look like a real threat.

Prediction: Florida 32-FAU 17

Download the WynnBET App and make your pick here

Florida next game & schedule

The Gators will head on the road in Week 2 with a game at USF on Sept. 11.

What channel is the Florida game on in Week 1

Kickoff at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network. Tom Hart will handle play-by-play with Jordan Rodgers on color commentary. Cole Cubelic will be on the sidelines.

Florida vs. FAU live stream

The TV broadcast isn’t the only way to catch the action in Gainesville. Head over to FuboTV for a live stream of the game.

dark. Next. CFB150: 150 most iconic moments of all time

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.