by Chad Cooper
The unofficial start of the 2019 college football season kicks off this weekend with two FBS games including the Sunshine State Rivalry in Orlando.
Later that night, Arizona will travel to the big island to face the always fun Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. Beginning next week, our Degenerate’s Dozen will take a closer look at 12 games to bet.
Saturday, Aug. 24
#8 Florida (0-0) vs. Miami (0-0), 6p, ESPN
Line: Florida -7.5, 48
Scoop: The Sunshine State Rivalry renews after a 5-year hiatus. The ‘Canes lead the all-time series 29-26 and won the last meeting in 2013, 21-16. Miami has actually won the last 5 meetings. UF returns QB Feleipe Franks along with his top receivers and a deep backfield in Malik Davis, Lamical Perine and Dameon Pierce.
The Gators have 8 starters back on defense including a good secondary. Miami will have a first time head coach in Manny Diaz and new QB in Jarren Williams. Dude only took 3 snaps all of last year, so I expect the Gators to come after him every chance they get. UF embarrassed Michigan in the Peach Bowl last season while the Canes no-showed in a 35-3 loss to Wisconsin at the Pinstripe Bowl.
Trends: UF was 3-3 ATS last season vs. P5; Miami 1-4 as UD last 2 seasons, but 3-3 vs. ranked teams.
Pick: Miami +7.5 & Under 48
Arizona (0-0) @ Hawaii (0-0), 9:30p, CBS Sports Network
Line: Arizona -11, 74
Scoop: UA has dominated this series winners of the last 6 meetings including a 47-28 romp at home in 2016. The pressure is on coach Kevin Sumlin after going 5-7 last year replacing Rich Rodriguez.
The Wildcats return QB Khalil Tate and he should be able to wing the ball around on that Hawaii defense. RB JJ Taylor should be able to chew up some yardage as well. Hawaii has a stud QB in Cole McDonald, who threw for 3,800 yards last year and 36 TDs. They have most of their offense back, so get ready for fireworks plus Arizona’s defense allowed a whopping 32.6 ppg.
Trends: Arizona is 5-16 ATS in their last 21 road games; Hawaii is 8-2 ATS vs. Pac 12 teams.
Pick: Hawaii +11