"It's playing the 'U,'" Gators quarterbac k Tim Tebow said. "I've never done it before. I'm excited about it. I'm sure we'll have about 80 percent of the state of Florida here in Gainesville."

What was considered one of college football's biggest rivalries earlier this decade will be renewed on Saturday night when Tebow tries to lead fifth-ranked Florida to its first win over the Hurricanes in 23 years.

While the Hurricanes have dropped from the elite of college football in recent years - they haven't been to a BCS bowl game since the 2003 season - their resurrection could begin with another win over Florida. Miami has won the last six meetings, including two bowl games, since a 35-23 home loss in 1985.

The teams last met in the 2004 Peach Bowl and the Hurricanes won 27-10.

Though more than half of Miami's roster is freshmen and sophomores, many of its players hail from the Sunshine State and have seen how much attention this rivalry receives.

Junior tailback Javarris James, cousin of former Hurricanes star Edgerrin James, is among the team's most experienced players and said none of his teammates need to be made further aware of the magnitude of Saturday's contest.

The Gators, though, are heavy favorites to end their losing streak in the series, in part because they have the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

Tebow might have to be more of a factor this week after not having to do much in last Saturday's season opener as Florida rolled past Hawaii 56-10. While seeing his NCAA-record streak of having at least one touchdown rushing and one passing snapped at 14 games, the junior went 9-of-14 for 137 yards and a score while rushing nine times for 37 yards.

Florida is facing a Miami defense which impressed in its opener, limiting Charleston Southern to 126 total yards and seven first downs in a 52-7 win last Thursday night.

However, that Football Championship Subdivision opponent clearly doesn't compare to what Miami faces this week.