Miami part of Florida being named 2nd best 2024 college football state

Florida State entering the 2024 season ranked 10th in both polls and Miami 19th is a big reason why Grant Hughes of 247Sports ranks Florida second in his "The top 10 greatest states for college football in 2024." Miami at Florida will kick off football for the Sunshine State in the season opener on August 31.

Florida is one of four in-state opponents for Miami in 2024. Miami plays its 2024 season opener versus FCS Florida A&M on September 7 and is at South Florida in their final 2024 non-conference game on September 28. Florida State plays at Miami on October 26. That should be a pivotal game in the ACC in 2024.

Miami will play eight of its 12 games this season in Florida with the trips to Gainesville and Tampa. With Florida and Miami playing in 2024, the Florida Cup will be contested for the first time since 2019. Florida defeated Miami 24-20 and Florida State 40-17 to win the 2019 Florida Cup.

Miami won the first three Florida Cups from 2002 through 2004. The Florida Cup was created in 2002. Florida, Miami and Florida State played a round robin in every season except three from 1958 through 1990. Miami was declared the State Champion in 1962, 1966, 1980, 1981, 1986 and 1987.

"The ACC runs through the state of Florida this season. Florida State has the best odds to take home the conference championship for a second-straight year, while Miami has the third-best odds behind Clemson. Both squads cracked the top 20 of the AP poll. Football fans in the Sunshine State get an early treat when the Miami-Florida rivalry renews at The Swamp in Week 1. "

- Grant Hughes, 247Sports

The ESPN Football Power Index ranks Florida State 10th, Florida 20th, Miami 23rd, Central Florida 32nd, Florida Atlantic 83rd, South Florida, 88th and Florida International 132nd out of 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams entering the 2024 season. Florida State and Miami could potentially play twice in 2024 if they reach the ACC Championship Game.

Florida State and Miami have only played twice in the same season once. Miami won their regular season meeting and then beat Florida State in the Orange Bowl during the 2003 season. When Miami joined the ACC in 2004, twice annual meetings were expected with Miami and Florida State in separate ACC divisions.