Florida vs USF: Sunshine State Rivalry in The Swamp
Florida football is once again in the spotlight this weekend as the Gators host South Florida at The Swamp in Gainesville. It’s an in-state rivalry game, the first of three such battles Florida will face this season, and fans are buzzing with anticipation.
The Gators come into Week 2 ranked No. 15 in the nation after a dominant start, shutting out Long Island University 55-0 in their opener. That game served as more of a tune-up, with sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway showing off his accuracy and control early on before resting in the second half. He completed 15 of 18 passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns, leaving little doubt that he’s ready for bigger tests. Against USF, all eyes will be on him again as the Heisman chatter begins to grow louder.
South Florida, meanwhile, is not walking into this one quietly. Under third-year head coach Alex Golesh, the Bulls made a statement last week with a 34-7 victory over Boise State. Quarterback Byrum Brown, finally healthy after missing much of last season with a leg injury, powered the offense and reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be when he tucks the ball and runs. His physical style of play has drawn comparisons to some of the toughest dual-threat quarterbacks in recent memory, and the Gators’ defense will be tested in containing him.
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Florida’s defense is also worth watching. While they barely broke a sweat against LIU, allowing only 87 yards and even scoring a touchdown of their own, the reality is that USF’s offense presents a very different challenge. Saturday will provide the first true measure of how disciplined and physical this unit really is.
History leans heavily toward Florida, which is 3-0 all-time against South Florida. Their last meeting in 2022 was much closer than expected, though, with the Gators escaping with a 31-28 win. That memory has not faded, and many are wondering if USF can finally break through against their bigger in-state rival.
Coach Billy Napier knows these games carry extra weight. “You want to take care of business in these games,” he said earlier in the week. “Whether it’s Miami, Florida State, Central Florida, or South Florida, our alumni expect us to win.”
Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. Eastern at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fans can tune in on the SEC Network, with Dave Neal and Fozzy Whittaker in the booth and Morgan Uber reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and Fubo, which is offering a free trial.
Oddsmakers have Florida favored by 17.5 points, with a predicted score in the range of 28-17. The expectation is that USF will keep it close through three quarters, but the Gators’ depth and playmaking ability could allow them to pull away late.
Regardless of the outcome, this matchup is more than just another early-season game. It’s an in-state clash full of pride, momentum, and big implications for both programs. Florida is aiming to prove it belongs in the national conversation, while South Florida is eager to show that its rise under Golesh is real. In The Swamp on Saturday, both teams will have their chance to make a statement.
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