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Bowling Green Vs. Florida Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread And More

Florida will begin its 2012 season Saturday by hosting Bowling Green.Follow @SBNationCFB

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 01: Jeff Driskel #16 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 1, 2011 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 01: Jeff Driskel #16 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 1, 2011 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 01: Jeff Driskel #16 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 1, 2011 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
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The No. 23 Florida Gators will kick off their 2012 season Saturday when they host the Bowling Green Falcons.

Florida begins its second season under coach Will Muschamp. The Gators went 7-6 during Muschamp’s first year, including a win in the Gator Bowl. Florida begins this season with higher expectations, ranked No. 23 in both the AP Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll.

Heading into the game against Bowling Green, Florida has yet to settle on a starting quarterback. Instead, the Gators will use two quarterbacks against the Falcons. Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel will both play in the first half Saturday, with one playing the first quarter and the other playing the second quarter.

Bowling Green begins its fourth season under coach Dave Clawson. The Falcons went 5-7 last season and are 14-23 under Clawson. The Falcons will bring plenty of experience into the game with 17 returning starters, including starting quarterback Matt Schilz. Schilz threw for more than 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns last season.

While the matchup against the Gators will be a tough one for Bowling Green, they do have some history on their side. The Falcons are 4-1 in their last five season openers, including a 27-17 road win against No. 25 Pittsburgh in 2008.

Game time, TV channel: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Point spread: Florida favored by 23.5 points

For news, discussion and more: For more on Gators football, visit Florida blog Alligator Army, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more on Bowling Green football, visit MAC blog Hustle Belt.

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