Miami football projected to play Florida in Orange Bowl by ESPN

Aug 24, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami football team would renew their rivalry with Florida in the Orange Bowl in the latest 2020 bowl projections by ESPN.

The Notre Dame win over Clemson on Saturday night could be the silver lining in what likely eliminated the Miami football team from a potential berth in the ACC Championship Game. The Fighting Irish and Tigers are now on a collision course for a rematch in Charlotte. Miami could wind up playing Florida in the Orange Bowl.

If Miami had lost in the ACC Championship game to either Clemson or Notre Dame a two-loss Hurricanes might not have been as attractive for a berth in a New Year’s Six bowl game. If Miami can win out without playing in the ACC Championship Game, the Hurricanes would finish the 2020 season 10-1.

Florida is currently 4-1 and leads the SEC East. The Gators are hoping to win out including a victory over Alabama to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. A loss by the Gators to the Crimson Tide would likely give Florida a spot in a New Year’s Six Bowl Game. A matchup between Florida and Miami would be enticing.

Florida defeated Miami 24-20 in the 2019 season opener in Orlando. The Gators and Hurricanes last played in Miami in 2013. Florida outgained Miami 413-212 but five turnovers led to a 21-16 Hurricanes win. Both ESPN Bowl prognosticators Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach project Miami and Florida to play in the Orange Bowl.

"Capital One Orange BowlHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FloridaBonagura: Florida vs. MiamiSchlabach: Miami vs. Florida"

Miami has dominated the Gators in the two bowl matchups between two of the big three college football teams in the Sunshine State. The Hurricanes won the 2001 Sugar Bowl 37-20 following the 2000 season in what was a statement game for Miami. Miami was left out of the 2001 BCS Championship game.

dark. Next. Miami gaining respect moving to ninth in both polls

Miami defeated Florida State in 2000 and both teams finished with 10-1 records. The Seminoles edged the Hurricanes in the BCS Standings to earn a spot in the Orange Bowl that was the National Championship game where they lost 13-2 to Oklahoma. Four years later Miami defeated Florida 27-10 in the Peach Bowl.