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Florida vs. Miami in any sport, anytime, anywhere, will generally be big and heated because of the rivalry factor.
But this football game in Orlando on Saturday night transcends the rivalry. It's huge at so many different levels, the main thing being that the Gators and Hurricanes will start the 150th season of college football and have the national stage for themselves.
The football world will watch the event at prime time at Camping World Stadium.
Some coaches may be a little suspicious of a match like this, fearing their players will be distracted or blinded by the light.
Dan Mullen from Florida is not.
He wants to make sure his players embrace the big stage, he said Monday.
"Everyone in the country is ready for college football, excited about college football," said Mullen. "It's Saturday, a lot of teams do not train and many have not started their match week yet. One of the most important things is not just the fans, but all the other teams are watching us.
"What will they see?" What is our stamp? When every academic in the country turns on his television, what does he think when he sees the Florida Gators? We have to go and live up to that on the ground. Everyone is watching. What do you want them to think of you?
It's a mission. The way the Gators perform this task may well be determined, at least in part, by what is happening this week in the solitude of their own field of practice.
Be ready. Concentrate.
This is the message of some veteran players who have experience – good or bad – playing important games in front of a large audience.
"I think we just have to stay focused," said Josh Hammond, senior receiver. "This is the only college football game, the kickoff of the 150th year, but the most important is to stay focused.
"College Game Day will be here and everyone will watch. The most important thing is to stay focused and attentive to details and this will start in practice. Do not let the media contact us on social media or anything like that. Stay focused on what we need to focus on in practice to be able to play at a high level on Saturday. "
Third-year halfback Marco Wilson, Marco Wilson, said the Gators should make sure not to be distracted by all the "noise" that will accompany this rivals game.
"Really, focus on what you need to do, do not focus on what's going on around you," he said. "It's just outside noise. Concentrate on what you need to do, your task and play for your brothers. "
The Gators plan to adopt the same approach that they have adopted throughout the off-season, in spring and summer: ski lifts, races and pre-season camp.
This is another week. Another challenge. Prepare for it.
Wilson said that waking up for the week of games on Monday should have looked like any other day.
"It's the same," he said. "We have always been focused. Mind & # 39; s aims to improve every day, to move forward every day and give it all. Because, deep inside me, we know what lies ahead and we know that we have a team to play.
"So, I think if your mind changed today, then you're too late, our spirit has not been the same since we attended the winter and fall camp sessions. summer is the same thing. "
What will not be the same is the atmosphere in Orlando. It should be electric and noisy – and everyone will watch.
"Everyone knows it will be a very exciting match," said halfback Lamical Perine. "It's Zero Week, we'll be the only game of the day. Honestly, you have to look yourself in the mirror and understand what you need to do to not lose heart and just play your game. "
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