The Florida Gators are 1-1 after losing to the Kentucky Wildcats for the first time in 31 years last week, and they host the Colorado State Rams in Week 3. The Rams are 1-2 so far, after having lost their first two games, but coming back last weekend against Arkansas at home. The two teams have never played before, but they do have a history.

Florida is paying Colorado State $2 million guaranteed to play this game. This is part of the deal Florida signed when hiring former Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain. Now Florida is paying McElwain’s buyout, and still owes this game to Colorado State.

HOW TO WATCH

Time: 4:00 p.m. ET

TV: SEC Network

Commentators: Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Kris Budden

Streaming: WatchESPN

PREVIEW

Florida started the season off hot with a dominating win over Charleston Southern, but then looked like a different (and much worse) team against Kentucky. The offense struggled once again and the Florida offensive line could not get any push. What’s new?

Colorado State has been dynamite through the air on offense so far. K.J. Carta-Samuels has been tossing touchdowns to excellent receivers, including Preston Williams. The defense has been a major issue however. The Rams have been unable to stop anybody. They gave up 40+ points in their first two games, and got lucky against Arkansas in the fourth quarter.

After losing star cornerback Marco Wilson to an ACL injury, Florida will start true freshman Trey Dean alongside C.J. Henderson. The Rams will do their best to pick on Dean through the air, and should be able to score some points. The biggest matchup is the CSU run defense, which ranks 117th in the country and gives up 252 yards per game. Florida has not looked great on the ground so far, but the running back room is too talented to be contained against this defense. The Gators should be able to run up the score.

Prediction: Florida 42, Colorado State 21