In an eagerly anticipated college football matchup, the Florida Gators are set to face the Utah Utes in the second leg of a home-and-home series. Last season, Florida pulled off an impressive Week 1 upset leveraging their home field advantage, the Swamp, and the magic of quarterback Anthony Richardson. However, this season brings significant changes for the Gators, as they bid farewell to Richardson who entered the NFL Draft, and they are coming off two consecutive losing seasons in 2022.
On the flip side, the Utah Utes have been riding a wave of success since their trip to Gainesville. They not only performed well but also clinched the Pac-12 championship, securing consecutive Rose Bowl bids. Heading into this matchup, Utah opened the season with a No. 14 ranking in the AP Poll, making them a formidable opponent for the Gators.
Recent developments from Utah’s camp, though, have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the game. Utah’s starting quarterback, Cam Rising, is reportedly doubtful for the upcoming clash. Additionally, tight end Brant Kuithe, who was a key player for the Utes with 106 receiving yards in Gainesville last season, is also uncertain to play after tearing his ACL in Week 4. These injuries could potentially tip the scales in favor of the Gators.
Both teams are expected to rely heavily on their running games in the absence of key passing weapons. Florida boasts Montrell Johnson, who averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry in 2022. Meanwhile, the Utes may have to lean on backup quarterback Bryson Barnes, who will rely on his two-headed rushing attack consisting of Micah Bernard and Ja’Quinden Jackson.
In a separate college football showdown, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are gearing up to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten West matchup. Both teams have had their share of offseason shake-ups, with Nebraska making significant coaching changes, including hiring Matt Rhule as head coach, and bringing in new offensive and defensive coordinators.
On the Minnesota side, the departure of long-time starting quarterback Tanner Morgan and the loss of 1,600-yard running back Mohamed Ibrahim to the NFL created challenges. However, the Gophers found a worthy replacement in Sean Tyler, who ranked ninth in all-purpose yards in the FBS last season.
Minnesota is expected to stick with their trademark ground-and-pound style, relying on Tyler’s rushing prowess. Nebraska, on the other hand, will entrust the quarterback position to Jeff Sims, a three-year starter from Georgia Tech. Sims will be supported by a talented receiving corps, including the return of Zavier Betts and the addition of Georgia transfer MJ Sherman.
These two college football matchups promise to deliver high-stakes action, with Florida seeking redemption against Utah, and Nebraska and Minnesota both hoping to start their season on the right foot in the competitive Big Ten West division.