‘Canes fans excited about UM-UF game ahead of ‘College GameDay’ live coverage on Coral Gables campus – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) – Miami Hurricanes fans are gearing up for a Sunshine State showdown against a longtime rival, in more ways than one — and in this case, game day doesn’t just mean Saturday, but one of the biggest traveling shows in all of sports.

Prime time will once again belong to the U on Saturday night, as the university turns into the epicenter of the college football universe in what promises to be a clash between two of Florida’s most historic programs: the No. 4 undefeated ‘Canes and the University of Florida Gators.

“Prepare, get ready. Kings of Florida, we’ll see who it is,” said a University of Miami student.

“I’m very excited,” said another UM student.

Will the Gators be able to swim outside the Swamp surrounded by orange and green? The fans who spoke with 7News on Thursday are confident.

“[Orange and green] runs through my veins. It looks like we’re gonna run through the Gators’ defense,” said UM student Ashton Weisman.

“I mean, have we seen how we have been doing all football season?” said UM student Olivia Attalla.

The big game will bring the eyes of the nation to the U, as ESPN’s “College GameDay” returns to South Florida, and the anticipation is electric.

“I’m a junior right now, I’ve been waiting two years. It’s finally time. The setup looks sick.” said Weisman. “I’m waking up, 4:30 in the morning, I’ll be in line, I’ll be the first one there.”

“It’s homestly unreal. I mean, I study out here and have my food, my lunch and my dinner, out in this area, so seeing it all closed off and these big screens is kind of awesome. I can’t wait to do it on Saturday,” said UM student Luke Miles.

“GameDay” will take center stage live from the Lakeside Patio, across from the Shalala Student Center, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Setup started Thursday, as crews built out the iconic “GameDay” stage.

“I have yet to see this in person, and I’m a huge fan of Pat McAfee and all of them,” said a UM student.

“You’ve got Pat McAfee, you know what I mean? You got a kick here going for hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said UM student Brennan Cunnion. “It’s a crazy experience, it really is.”

I saw this, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I don’t know if it will ever come back, so I’m taking it, like, by the horns,” said UM student Kallia Siderakis.

This is the ninth time Miami has hosted “College GameDay,” but it’s the second time that the show will be on campus. Last time the show came to Coral Gables, the ‘Canes stunned Notre Dame in a 41-8 victory.

“College GameDay” host Desmond Howard is expecting another showstopper.

“It’s always good when we have the traditional bluebloods, like the Miamis, like the Florida States, when they’re relevant again in college football,” he said. “So we’re very happy to be here, ‘GameDay’ is excited to be here, and obviously, it’s a big rivalry, Florida versus Miami, so what more can you ask for?”

These ‘Canes are ready to rally.

“Go ‘Canes. Gators suck,” said Miles.

“I feel like if you aren’t there, then, like, where else would you be?” said another UM student.

“College GameDay” also announced Florida Panthers player Matthew Tkachuk will be their celebrity guest speaker.

You can catch this Sunshine State showdown on ABC Miami, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. You can also tune in to the “We Got U Covered” pregame special, also on ABC Miami, starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

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