How to watch Idaho vs. Florida: Preview, TV/streaming schedule, more
Florida hopes to put 2013 behind them. Idaho tries to bring a new level of misery to Gainesville. Here’s how to see it.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Update: Idaho-Florida kickoff is delayed by weather until 7:30 p.m. ET or later.
Florida hopes to turn the page on its horrendous 2013 season when it hosts Idaho in its season opener Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with television coverage on ESPN U and WatchESPN.
The Gators went 4-8 last season, the worst finish by a Florida football team since 1979. But there's some hope for Florida. Quarterback Jeff Driskel, who missed most of last year due to injury, returns to play in a new offense brought by former Duke coordinator Kurt Roper and custom made to capitalize on the legs and arm of the junior signalcaller. A defense that was respectable until late in the season returns seven starters and experienced players to replace those who left. And the schedule does give Florida some early opportunities to build confidence before the SEC makes life impossible.
Idaho was even worse than Florida in 2013: The Vandals went 1-11 in Paul Petrino’s first year as head coach, playing as an independent in the ruins of the WAC. Idaho has now moved to the Sun Belt, and will get its first taste of southern sunshine Saturday.
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How to witness
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU
Radio: WRUF 103.7 FM/850 AM in Gainesville, and KZFN 106.1 FM in Moscow. Other Florida affiliates and Idaho broadcasters are available at the links above.
Online streaming: Watch ESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither team is ranked in the preseason polls, though Florida does start the season just outside both polls.
Vegas: Florida is a 36.5-point favorite over the Vandals, with an over/under total set at 51.
Weather forecast: It’s Gainesville: Despite the nightime kickoff, temperatures will hover in the mid-80s with a chance of rain throughout.
Three names to know
Will Muschamp, head coach, Florida: If there was a better escape from certain death in 2013, it would be hard to find. Muschamp’s Gators imploded down the stretch, with embarrassing losses to Vanderbilt, Florida State, and (especially) FCS stalwart Georgia Southern, low-lighting a seven-game losing streak. The Florida administration stood by him, but they likely won’t be able to do it again.
Jeff Driskel, QB, Florida: Muschamp has put all his chips on Driskel, hoping that a simplified offense will allow the junior and his corps of receivers to do something that was extremely difficult a year ago: Complete a forward pass. Florida’s three quarterbacks combined for just 198 completions for barely more than 2,000 yards and 11 touchdowns against 9 interceptions. Improvement will depend in large part on how Driskel operates the offense.
Dezmon Epps, WR, Idaho: The now-senior wideout was one of the few bright spots for Idaho in 2013, catching 77 passes for 971 yards. He had more catches than all other returning receivers, running backs, and tight ends combined, and he -- along with an experienced offensive line -- should provide some much-needed cover for sophomore quarterback Chad Chalich.
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Two things at stake
Florida could make an improbable return to the Top 25 with a win Saturday and some help from teams ranked above them. Of course, a win would be the program’s first in nearly eleven months.
Idaho has not beaten a team from a “Power 5” conference since a victory over Washington State in 2000. With dates against USC, Auburn, Washington State and Washington in coming seasons, Saturday could be the Vandals’ best chance to break that streak.
Further reading
Florida is covered at Alligator Army. Idaho and the rest of the FBS mid-majors are chronicled at Underdog Dynasty.
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