Highlights, key plays and photos from No. 14 Utah’s victory over Florida
The Utes were the better team from start to finish Thursday night and start the 2023 college football season 1-0 with a 24-11 win over the Gators.
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) warms up in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Trent Wood is a sports writer for the Deseret News.
Final
Utah 24, Florida 11
The Utah Utes started the 2023 season with a convincing victory, defeating the Florida Gators 24-11, avenging a season-opening loss to the Gators last season.
Utah was the better team start to finish — despite a somewhat lackluster second half — and was never seriously threatened by Florida.
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Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) runs for a touchdown after catch on the Utes first offensive play in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson (13) scores a topdown against he Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) celebrates his touchdown with Utah Utes wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) on the Utes first offensive play in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes safety Cole Bishop (8) causes a fumble form Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Van Fillinger (7) hurries Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Brother Keon and Daidren Zipperer talk prior to the season opener between the Florida Gators and the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. Keon plays tight end for Florida and Daidren is a receiver for Utah. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Lincoln plays cornhole before the Utah football season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Samiu Tuitupou and Mike Herrera tailgate before the Utah football season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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University of Utah marching band members hold up U signs before the football season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) breaks away and scores a touchdown on a catch from Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) during the first quarter of their season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson (13) scores a touchdown against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches the game in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson (13) runs against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Jonah Elliss (83) celebrates a sack against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes punter Jack Bouwmeester (34) punts in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Jaylon Glover (1) runs against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) makes a touchdown throw on the first offensive play against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes place kicker Cole Becker (36) makes an field goal in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes coach Morgan Scalley shouts instruction in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cornerback Tao Johnson (15) makes a tackle for a loss against Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The Utes take the field in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes safety Briton Allen (26) makes a tackle for loss against Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) runs the ball against Utah during Utah’s season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) runs the ball during Utah’s season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cornerback JaTravis Broughton (4) stops Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) from completing a catch during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah’s sidelines cheer on the players after a fourth down stop against Florida during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. Utah won the game 24-11. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes are greeted as they run onto the field during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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University of Utah fans yell during a Florida third down during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) runs the ball during Utah’s season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Florida Gators wide receiver Caleb Douglas (4) sits on the sidelines during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) passes the ball off to Utah Utes running back Ja'Quinden Jackson (3) during the season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah fans during the season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes linebacker Karene Reid (21) tackles Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Florida Gators place kicker Adam Mihalek (49) kicks a field goal during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) defends in the end zone as Florida Gators wide receiver Caleb Douglas (4) catches a touchdown pass during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Florida Gators tight end Jonathan Odom (87) congratulates Florida Gators wide receiver Caleb Douglas (4) after scoring a touchdown during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Young University of Utah fans cheer during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes linebacker Levani Damuni (3) tackles Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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The Utah student section cheers during the season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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The Utah student section cheers during the season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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A University of Utah cheerleader does a flip during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson (13) plays during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James (6) and Florida Gators safety R.J. Moten (16) bring down Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson (13) during the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) throws against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches the clock in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Jonah Elliss (83) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) dives for a pass in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The Utes take the field in the opener against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) runs against Florida Gators safety Jordan Castell (14) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cornerback JaTravis Broughton (4) and Utah Utes defensive end Jonah Elliss (83) celebrate a missed Florida field goal in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Injured Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) walks off the field after the Ute victory in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) and Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson (13) celebrate the Ute win over the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Mikey Matthews (0) and other Utes honor Aaron Lowe and Ty Jordan during a timeout in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes defense tackles Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Logan Fano (0) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) throws against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Ute fans cheer in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) throws against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes safety Sione Vaki (28) celebrates after intercepting the ball against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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The Utes honor Aaron Lowe and Ty Jordan during a timeout in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) runs for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Jonah Elliss (83) celebrates a sack against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes safety Sione Vaki (28) intercepts the ball against the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. Utah won 24-11. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive tackle Aliki Vimahi (95) celebrates with Utah Utes defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) on a quarterback sack during the season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans celebrate Money Parks' (10) touchdown during the first quarter of their season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) picks up Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) after Parks' touchdown during the first quarter of their season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
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Utah Utes football players celebrate Utes Money Parks' (10) touchdown during the first quarter of their season opener against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
4th Quarter
Utah 24, Florida 11
9:22 — Florida scores its first touchdown of the game on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Graham Mertz to wide receiver Caleb Douglas. The Gators then completed the two-point try, when Graham found freshman Eugene Wilson III. Florida drove 98 yards on 13 plays.
3rd Quarter
Utah 24, Florida 3
11:06 — Utah adds to its lead with another touchdown, this time on a 5-yard rush by Bryson Barnes. The drive was set up by an interception by safety Sione Vaki inside the Florida 20-yard line.
Halftime
Utah 17, Florida 3
Utah controlled the first half, outside of a brief run by Florida during the later part of the first quarter. The Utes out-gained the Gators 232 total yards to 132, leading in both passing yards (159 to 113) and rushing yards (73 to 19).
Sack Lake City also made a return, with the Utes taking down Florida quarterback Graham Mertz three times, three different Utes getting to the QB.
Utah was also the more disciplined team, tallying just two penalties compared to four for Florida. Quarterback Bryson Barnes has thrown for 150 yards and a touchdown, completing 10 of 14 passes. Backup quarterback Nate Johnson completed his only pass attempt of the game for nine yards, and rushed for 33 yards and a score.
2nd Quarter
Utah 17, Florida 3
2:53 — Utah extends its lead to two touchdowns with a 51-yard field goal by kicker Cole Becker.
7:50 — Utah scores its second touchdown of the game, on a 27-yard run by backup quarterback Nate Johnson. The Utes drove 80 yards in 10 plays, aided by a special teams miscue by Florida.
2:27 — Florida gets on the board with a 32-yard field goal by kicker Adam Mihalek.
13:10 — On the opening offensive play of the game for the Utes, quarterback Bryson Barnes connected with wide receiver Money Parks for a 70-yard touchdown. Prior to that, Utah’s defense forced Florida to go three-and-out on their first offensive possession.
What national pundits/experts are saying about the Utes and Gators
Will Florida fans have patience as Billy Napier begins Year 2? Great looks at the “deliberate” plan of Billy Napier to win at Florida. Gators have Top 5 recruiting class next season. @ESPNMcGee on the case. https://t.co/VhYpfHjHa0
Some intriguing games tonight: Matt Rhule’s Nebraska debut at Minn; and can UF win at Utah? Those picks against the spread plus everything else for Week 1--and my Upset Special. Get in on The Athletic’s big End of Summer Sale: only $1/month. Sign up here: https://t.co/bVhGFzymlu
Utah, which hosts Florida tonight, has lost 5 consecutive games vs. non-conference Power 5 teams. Utes' last non-conference P5 win was vs. West Virginia in 2017 Heart of Dallas Bowl
