Florida kicks off the 2015 season, and the Jim McElwain era, by welcoming New Mexico State to the Swamp. Here’s all you need to know to get ready.
Last meeting: Florida 70, New Mexico State 21 (1994)
All time series: Florida, 1-0
Time/TV: 7:30pm ET/SEC Network (also streaming on WatchESPN)
Pregame betting line: Florida, 36
Summer analysis and prediction: Florida 63, New Mexico State 3.
What to watch for: Other than the QB battle between Will Grier and Treon Harris? Not much, as the game should be over by halftime. But that QB battle is a big thing to watch for. Not just who throws prettier passes, but who looks better equipped to lead the team going forward. I still think it’s Grier, though I’m not as certain as I was back in August.
Florida key to the game: Uh, just don’t turn the ball over ten times and there’s no chance Florida loses.
New Mexico State key to the game: Stay in the game early, grab stray footballs when you can and hope for the best. The Aggies are so overmatched that there’s nothing they can really do to win the game on their own; they’re going to need help from the Gators, and they’re going to have to capitalize.
Prediction: I’m not backing off my summer brashness one bit or one point. Florida 63, New Mexico State 3.