![Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws the ball during fall football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Paul-Finebaum-Believes-2025-Opening-Game-Is-1-of-the-Worst-in-CFB-History-696x464.jpg "Syndication: Ocala StarBanner")
College football insider Paul Finebaum believes that some of the opening games of the 2025 season are “unwatchable.” While discussing the upcoming campaign on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” the opening game of the Florida Gators’ season was brought up, leading Finebaum to outline how this contest was one of the worst opening games in the history of the sport.
What Did Paul Finebaum Say About Florida, Long Island Opening Game?
The opening game in reference features the Gators taking on the Long Island University Sharks. The game will take place on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, in Gainesville, Florida. The time of the contest is yet to finalized.
Finebaum made clear that it was a terrible opening game of the regular season. He made the statements on ‘The Paul Finebaum Show.’
Athlon Sports college football analyst Jaron Spor provided the quotes of Finebaum’s statements in his article, which are used below and can be found at the link above.
“It’s one of the worst opening games I have ever seen. There’s just no reason for it, and I feel sorry for fans on what will likely be a 95-degree early evening for that game. I’m sure it’s going to be at night. Who really wants to see it? It’s completely unwatchable,” Finebaum stated.
Florida Gators, Long Island University Sharks Preview
As is evident, Finebaum is not overly excited about the matchup between the Gators and the Sharks. The Gators play in the Southeastern Conference, also known as the SEC, while the Sharks play in the Northeast Conference, more popularly called the NEC.
This past season, the Gators had an 8-5 overall record and went 4-4 against fellow SEC opponents. They averaged 28.8 points per game, ranking No. 61 in the nation last year. Defensively, the Gators gave up 23.1 points against per game, a number that tied for No. 42 in the country.
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Meanwhile, the Sharks went 4-8 overall last year. However, three of those wins came against fellow NEC opponents. They averaged 22.2 points per game last campaign, a value that ranked No. 98 in the nation.
Though anything is possible in college football, the Gators will unquestionably be heavily favored in the aforementioned contest. While it remains to be seen what actually does happen in the game, it is evident that Finebaum does not believe that he will be able to even watch it.
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