Inside the schedule

Saturday, Miami, 3:30 p.m., ABC

The buzz: The Hurricanes’ first trip to Gainesville since a 26-3 loss in 2008 pits two head coaches and programs in need of a good start to pivotal seasons.

Sept. 7, Samford, 7, SEC Network+

The buzz: The Bulldogs scored 42 first-half points during a 2021 visit — the most points scored against a Florida team during a half — during a 70-52 loss that sealed former coach Dan Mullen’s fate.

Sept. 14, Texas A&M, 3:30, ABC

The buzz: The Gators aim to capitalize on the Aggies in their first SEC game under Mike Elko, who replaced Jimbo Fisher after a disappointing six-season run.

Sept. 21, Mississippi State, noon, ABC or ESPN

The buzz: The Bulldogs are coming off a 1-7 finish in the SEC and are on their fourth head coach since the Gators’ last trip Starkville — a 13-6 win in Mullen’s first season.

Oct. 5, UCF, 6 or 8, TBD

The buzz: The long-awaited matchup between schools separated by 130 miles is a must-win for UF AD Scott Stricklin, who demanded a 2-for-1 series because of the Gators’ stature and SEC affiliation.

Oct. 12, at Tennessee, 3:30 or 8, TBD

The buzz: Florida has not beaten a ranked team on the road since 2018 (Mississippi State), but other than ’15 and ’22 losses in Knoxville UF has prevailed in every meeting against the Vols since ’04.

Oct. 19, Kentucky, 3:30 or 8, TBD

The buzz: Florida has lost three straight games, including a 33-14 no-show last season to a Kentucky program with one victory during 34 previous meetings.

Nov. 2, Georgia, 3:30, ABC

The buzz: The Bulldogs have dominated their rival Gators, losers of six of seven by an average of 22.2 points.

Nov. 9, at Texas, noon, ABC or ESPN

The buzz: The Gators’ last trip to Austin ended with a 12-0 loss to the Longhorns in 1939, followed a year later by 26-0 home loss during the last meeting between the schools.

Nov. 16, LSU, 3:30 or 8, TBD

The buzz: The best crossover series prior to this season’s SEC expansion has become one-sided, with the Tigers winners of five straight including last season’s 52-35 Jayden Daniels-led rout.

Nov. 23, Ole Miss, noon, ABC or ESPN

The buzz: The Gators, 24-15 losers to Florida State during their last season’s regular-season home finale, have not lost on Senior Night in consecutive seasons since 1988-89.

Nov. 30, at Florida State, TBD

The buzz: The Gators have one win in four trips to Tallahassee since 2012, including a 45-38 loss during Billy Napier’s first season in 2022.

— Edgar Thompson