As the college football season gets underway, the Florida Gators will set their sights on the Utah Utes. Last year the teams met in Gainesville and the game was nothing shy of a thriller. The Gators walked away with a 29-26 victory thanks to Amari Burney’s game-winning interception. Now the Gators will look to do it all over again. This time around though, the game will be played in Utah with the Utes battling to keep their home game-winning streak alive.
UF vs Utah Preview 2023
On the Road
One of the things that makes this game a big task for Florida is the simple fact that the game is on the road. The Utah Utes have been exceptional at home in the past three years. The last loss Utah suffered in Rice-Eccles Stadium was against USC back in 2020. Fast forward to now and the Utes are a win away from improving their home game win streak to 15.
On Thursday night, the Gators will have the opportunity to end that streak. Despite how loud and noisy it might be at Rice-Eccles Stadium; the pressure will be on Utah to improve their winning streak. For Florida, this is a perfect chance to gain some momentum for what’s to come. A win against Utah very well could be what the Gators need to kickstart their rebuilding season.
A Defensive Battle
For Utah, defense has always been at the forefront. On the other hand, the Gators have shown struggles in past years with defense. Regardless, the talent that Florida has brought on this past offseason comes to show this very well could be a defensive battle.
When it comes to recruiting, Billy Napier did a good job bringing on some good players. Two true freshman players who could have a big role in Thursday’s game will be Jordan Castell and Ja’Keem Jackson. A couple of transfer players that Napier was able to bring who could also be crucial in this game are defensive linemen Caleb Banks and linebacker Teradja Mitchell. All four of these guys will be strapping on their Gator pads for the first time in this highly contested matchup.
The Gators’ different look on defense could be a key factor in this game. Ultimately, Utah will not be getting the same Florida team they did last year. Even though the Gators beat Utah last year, a lot of new faces could be a positive for Florida as they get ready to take on one of their hardest opponents of the season.
Keys to the Game
Coming into this game for the Gators, the biggest key is to not turn the ball over. As Utah learned last year, turning the ball over could very well cost you the game. Considering Florida will get all they can handle, being able to take care of the football against a defense that won’t give up many points will be huge.
Another key to this game for the Gators will be the Utah quarterback. Cam Rising tore his ACL in the Rose Bowl in January. Following surgery and recovery, there is still no commitment from Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham as to whether Rising will play Thursday night. Rising is very deadly with his arm and legs. If he plays on Thursday, getting him off the field quickly will have to be at the forefront of the team’s mind. Last year, Rising threw for 216 yards, but also had 91 yards on the ground. If he plays, his injury might deter his running, but he’s still a big player the Gators will need to account for.
Lastly, maintaining consistent drives will be huge. Holding onto the ball will be one way Florida could tire out the Utes’ defense. As I mentioned before, this game could be a defensive battle. If that is the case, the Gators will need to stay true to their offensive system and run Utah’s defense into the ground. Long drives and running the ball will be a big part of how this game plays out for Florida.
Expectations
The long wait for Gator football is finally over. All the fans and critics will finally get the chance to see Graham Mertz and this new improved football team. Ultimately, the expectation is for the Gators to come out with a lot of energy. This team has been fighting criticism for a while now and they will have the opportunity to put all that criticism to rest.
For Florida, you can expect every guy to play some type of a factor. This team will just now be starting to find their identity and to do that everyone will have to buy in on Thursday night. Despite how new the team looks, be prepared for an upset in the making at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Photo courtesy: Alan Youngblood / USA TODAY NETWORK
