Miami mayor poses bet with Tampa Mayor for Hurricanes at South Florida

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez posted to X on Friday a proposed bet with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on the Miami at South Florida game on Saturday. Suarez proposed they each put their own authentic Cuban sandwiches on the line. There is a lot of contention about the origin of the Cuban sandwich.

While the Cuban sandwich origins are disputed, the difference in the history of the Miami and South Florida football programs cannot be debated. Miami leads the all-time series with South Florida 5-1. South Florida did not begin playing football until the 1997 season. Miami won four national titles by then.

Miami won 27-7 in the first game with South Florida in 2005. The Hurricanes won again 31-10 in 2010. South Florida's only win over Miami was 23-20 road victory in 2010. Miami has won the last three games versus South Florida by a cumulative 95-33. The Hurricanes have a 173-73 advantage versus South Florida.

Miami enters the game on Saturday as a 16.5 point favorite per FanDuel. Miami is 2-1 versus the point spread this season and South Florida is 3-0. The only game Miami did not cover this season was as a 48-point favorite in a 56-9 win over Florida A&M in week two.

Mayor Suarez hit at the heart of one of the biggest debates between Miami and South Florida. Mayor Castor responded that she accepted the bet. Castor is confident in saying that in the unlikely event (from her perspective) that South Florida loses, they will send Tampa Cubans (with Salami) to Miami.

"Hello, Mayor Castor. It's time to put aside the rumors and innuendos. In politics it's important to speak clearly and state the facts and the fact is Miami is the home of the Cuban sandwich. Another fact is the University of Miami has won college football's national championship five times, the most of any school in our state and that's no bull, pun intended. What do you say we put our sandwiches on the line for this game? So this Saturday get ready for the University of South Florida to be rocked by the Miami Hurricanes. And after the game, before you send me your so-called version, I'll be more than happy to give you a Cuban sandwich from the 305. Then you'll be able to experience the true delicacy we enjoy here in Miami. Remember it's always and will always be about the U"

Miami at South Florida will kickoff on Saturday at 6 PM Eastern Daylight Time at Raymond James Stadium on ESPN. Bob Wischusen will Miami at South Florida with Louis Riddick and Kris Budden as the sideline reporter.