An intra-state matchup awaits in Week 2 as Florida and USF square off in The Swamp. Ahead of the game, the early point spread has been released. Florida opened as a 18.5-point favorite over USF in Week 2, according to BetMGM. The over-under is also set at 54.5 points. The Gators’ season opener against Long […]
An intra-state matchup awaits in Week 2 as Florida and USF square off in The Swamp. Ahead of the game, the early point spread has been released.
Florida opened as a 18.5-point favorite over USF in Week 2, according to BetMGM. The over-under is also set at 54.5 points.
The Gators’ season opener against Long Island marked the official start of the DJ Lagway era. This season will be his first full year as the starter after taking over for an injured Graham Mertz in 2024, and Florida had a 6-1 record when Lagway started as a true freshman.
Lagway is also generating some Heisman Trophy buzz ahead of his sophomore year after showing flashes of potential in 2024. He threw for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns as a true freshman, and he will look to take a leap forward this year.
In fact, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt said Lagway’s path to New York starts with Florida’s success. If the Gators can reach double-digit wins against one of the toughest schedules in the country, the former highly rated recruit could find himself squarely in the mix for the award.
“Last year, they were 6-1 with him as a starter and that one loss he left in the first half against Georgia,” Klatt said. “So when he’s on the field, this is an elite team. If he stays healthy, even with an atrocious schedule, you would think that they would be right there with possible eight, nine or 10 wins. If they get to 10 wins with that schedule, it will be because of DJ Lagway.
“If they get to 10 with that schedule and Lagway is playing well, guess where he’s gonna be. New York. The hype surrounding Lagway will be tremendous. They’ll have massive wins, in particular in some of those matchups that you know are gonna be primetime affairs down in the SEC schedule.”
As for USF, the Bulls opened the season in impressive fashion in a Thursday night opener in Week 1. They took on No. 25 Boise State and took full control en route to the 34-7 victory, led by a huge game from quarterback Byrum Brown. He threw for 210 yards in the air while adding 43 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, as well.
Florida and USF will square off Sept. 6 at The Swamp. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
Category: General Sports
