While Florida State vs. Miami is the premier game this weekend involving college football teams in the Sunshine State, there are other games to keep an eye on.
Charlotte at South Florida (Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
USF[1] opens conference play in the American against Charlotte at Raymond James Stadium Friday night.
USF (3-1) opened the season against three straight ranked teams, beating Boise State and Florida before falling at Miami. Quarterback Byrum Brown is coming off a fourth touchdown performance in the Bulls’ 63-14 victory over South Carolina State two weeks ago.
Charlotte (1-3) beat Monmouth on Sept. 13 after falling to Appalachian State and North Carolina to start the season. A Thursday night loss to Rice saw the offense struggle under quarterback Grayson Loftis. Loftis took over for starting quarterback Conner Harrell, who is done for the year after an ACL injury.
Texas at Florida (Saturday 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
The Florida Gators[2] hope to spoil Texas’ 2025 debut in the Southeastern Conference when the Longhorns visit Gainesville on Saturday.
The game is the fifth meeting all-time between the two programs and just the second since 1940. Last year, Texas defeated Florida 49-17 in Austin.
Florida (1-3, 0-1 SEC) has struggled on offense this season. The Gators opened the season by scoring 55 against Long Island University, but since then have scored 33 points in three losses to South Florida, LSU, and Miami.
One of the reasons for Florida’s struggling offense is the disappointing play of quarterback DJ Lagway. But this week, Florida head coach Billy Napier said, “I see the look in (his) eye. We’re trying to do our best for him in terms of creating an environment where he can continue to get back in his rhythm. That’s the most important thing right now.”
Texas (3-1, 0-0 SEC) began the season as a national championship favorite with a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, Arch Manning. But an opening weekend loss to Ohio State derailed the Longhorns’ hopes of a fast start. Since the loss, they have beaten San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston with all of the games played in the Lone Star State.
If Texas is going to contend for the College Football Playoffs, Saturday is a must-win. With games against Oklahoma, Georgia and Texas A&M, all ranked teams, remaining on the schedule, the Longhorns can’t afford another slip-up this early in the season.
Kansas at UCF (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
The Knights[3] face a team from the Sunflower State for the second straight week. After falling at Kansas State last week, 34-20, UCF looks to bounce back against the Kansas Jayhawks.
UCF (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) opened the season with wins over Jacksonville State, North Carolina A&T and North Carolina before last week’s loss.
Kansas (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) is coming off a heartbreaking home loss against Cincinnati, where the Bearcats scored in the final minute to win in Lawrence.
UCF’s defense has been a key to the Knights’ success. In eight of the 16 quarters of football this season, UCF hasn’t allowed the opponent a point.