The Utah Utes are gearing up for their first game of the season as they host the Florida Gators in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Utah, the reigning Pac-12 champions, will be looking to make a statement in their farewell tour before leaving the conference. However, they face a tough challenge against a Florida team that is determined to qualify for another bowl game.
Utah has been dominant at home, having not lost a game since November 2020. This home-field advantage gives them an edge, but they cannot afford to underestimate the Gators. The Pac-12 conference is stacked with five teams ranked in the top 20 of the preseason rankings, making every game crucial for Utah’s title aspirations.
One key factor that will impact Utah’s performance this season is the health of their quarterback, Cam Rising. Rising suffered a torn ACL in January during Utah’s loss to Penn State in the Rose Bowl. As a result, he is doubtful to play against the Gators. Rising’s absence will be felt, as he was a vital part of Utah’s offense. Additionally, tight end Brant Kuithe, another key player for the Utes, is questionable to play due to an ACL tear last September.
On the other side, the Gators enter the season with a new quarterback. Graham Mertz, a transfer from Wisconsin, will take over as Florida’s signal-caller. Mertz has big shoes to fill, as Anthony Richardson, the previous quarterback, was selected fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft. The Gators’ running back duo of Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne will provide support to Mertz as he adjusts to the team’s offense.
While Utah has their sights set on another conference title, Florida’s main goal is to secure a spot in a bowl game. A road win against a ranked Utah team would significantly boost the Gators’ chances for the season. However, it will be a challenging task in Week 1.
For those interested in betting on the game, the spread for Florida at Utah is yet to be determined. It is advisable to check with reputable sportsbooks like BetMGM for the latest odds. Additionally, the game will be televised on ESPN and can be streamed on the ESPN app with authentication.
In terms of expert picks against the spread, it is always wise to consider multiple opinions before making a decision. Various sports analysts and websites provide their insights and predictions, which can help inform your betting strategy.
For pregame reading, The Athletic offers a couple of articles that provide additional context and background information. One article titled “‘Swamp Kings’ takes focus away from tabloid-worthy version of Urban Meyer’s Gators” explores the legacy of former Florida coach Urban Meyer and his impact on the program. Another article titled “College football quarterback rankings model: Cam Rising cracks top 5” highlights Rising’s impressive performance and ranking among the top quarterbacks in college football.
As the Utah Utes kick off their Pac-12 farewell tour against the Florida Gators, fans can expect an intense battle between two talented teams. Both sides have their own motivations and goals for the season, making this matchup a must-watch for college football enthusiasts.