Trying to think as fairly as possible:
1) They're in Year 2 of the Mertz era, and they probably think that there will be a big jump in offensive cohesiveness in that second year
2) It's not a weak team devoid of talent. Despite recruiting misfires, they field a squad that on paper is stronger than last years Seminoles. Technically their average player composite ranking is better at defensive tackle, linebacker, and corner. Overall for the entire team though, it's weaker than Miami's (.8935 average for the Gators vs .9006 for the Canes)
That said, this is not a powerful Florida squad. It's not as strong as the 2019 squad that faced Miami in Week 1 (.8935 average for 2024 vs .8992), and Miami is far stronger now than in 2019 (.9006 for 2024 vs .8802 in 2019). Florida's only significant position advantage in talent in the composite average is cornerback (.9172 Gators vs .8986 Miami). Technically they also have one at quarterback, but Lagway is dragging their average up and he's unlikely to play.