CORAL GABLES, Fla. — It’s Canes vs. Gators rivalry day, and fans -- some of whom lined up since Friday night in Coral Gables -- were already rooting for their teams before the Saturday night game in Miami Gardens.
Some fans drove all the way from Gainesville to participate in ESPN College GameDay at the University of Miami’s Lakeside Patio before the game at 7:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium.
Game preview: No. 4 Miami hosts rival Florida in high-stakes showdown at Hard Rock Stadium
Fans showed how fired up they were for their teams. The countdown to GameDay started at 8:20 a.m., and The Home Depot Hype Hat, a room packed with lights and music, was open.
At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Hurricanes fans were loud, proud, and remained confident that the team will remain undefeated after Saturday’s in-state rivalry game.
Canes diehard David Eckstein said he expects Miami to win in dominating fashion.
“Canes are about to stomp the Gators. Let’s go Canes,” he said after predicting a 47-10 victory.
Although the Canes (3-0) and Gators (1-2) have taken very different paths in the first month of the season, their rivalry still unites fans on both sides.
Longtime Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins superfan Big Papa Pump told Local 10’s Ryan Mackey that he remains confident the Hurricanes will win and keep playing at a high level.
“We’re not in the Swamp. We’re the Hurricanes and Hurricanes sweep the Swamp up,” he said.
Longtime Gators fan Brian Emanuel told Local 10 News that he was hoping for a victory, but a loss might be more beneficial to the team if head coach Billy Napier loses his job.
“I’m hoping for one of the biggest upsets today, but I’m expecting one of the biggest a-- beatings ever today,” he said. “And Napes (Napier) can take an Uber back to Gainesville afterwards.”
Florida enters Saturday night’s game looking to avoid its first 1-3 start in 39 seasons and intensifying pressure on Napier.
WEATHER FORECAST: Although there’s a chance for a shower or storm for tailgaters this evening, the weather for the big game looks warm and dry for that kickoff.
Rain or shine, fans kept the party going with a pregame tailgate ahead of the big matchup.
GAME HISTORY: Did you know?
- The Gators’ inaugural football season was in 1906
- The Canes’ inaugural football season was in 1926
- The teams’ first game was on Oct. 15, 1938, in Gainesville. Miami won 19-7.
- The teams played again on Nov. 27, 1971, at the old Miami Orange Bowl in Little Havana. Florida won 45-16.
Related story: Matthew Tkachuk makes ‘College GameDay’ picks ahead of Florida‑Miami showdown
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