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College football preview: Florida vs. Idaho, 7 p.m. Saturday, ESPNU; 1250-AM

 
Published Aug. 30, 2014

UF vs. Idaho, 7, ESPNU, 1250-AM

Florida opens the season hoping to end a seven-game losing streak and finally put last year's 4-8 season in the past. The first-ever meeting between the Gators and Vandals marks a return for former UF team captain and All-SEC LB Bam Hardmon, who played for the Gators from 1999-2002. He is the Vandals' defensive line coach.

Watch out for … The return of QB Jeff Driskel and the Gators' new offense under coordinator Kurt Roper. How well has UF perfected the new offense? How will first-time C Max Garcia handle a live-game situation at that spot, and has the offensive line improved enough to offer more adequate protection and open the running game that is so necessary for this offense to succeed? Will the receivers finally become a factor? And how will the young secondary, which coach Will Muschamp says is a work in progress, perform — along with nine true freshmen who will see their first collegiate action? All questions that will begin to be answered. Expect backup QB Treon Harris to see action as the Gators continue to try to solidify that position. … UF has won 24 straight openers, second only to Nebraska (28).

Antonya English, Times staff writer