Florida falls in season opener vs. No. 14 Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — – Bryson Barnes threw a 70-yard landing move to Money Parks on Utah’s first play of the sport, rushed for an additional rating and the No. 14 Utes beat Florida 24-11 on Thursday evening within the opener for each groups.

Nate Johnson cut up time at quarterback with Barnes for the Utes with typical starter Cam Rising nonetheless recovering from a knee damage within the Rose Bowl. Utah clamped down on protection in Rising’s absence, forcing a turnover and getting 5 sacks.

Graham Mertz threw for 333 yards, a landing, and an interception in his first begin for the Gators. Ricky Pearsall had 92 yards on eight catches. Florida drove contained in the pink zone 4 instances however totaled solely 10 factors on these drives.

Making his second profession begin, Barnes wasted no time making an impression with the scoring strike to Parks. Barnes accomplished his first 4 passes and had 150 yards passing by halftime. He completed with 159 yards.

Johnson additionally put Florida’s protection on its heels when he checked in in the course of the second quarter. He faked a handoff to Micah Bernard and raced 27 yards to increase Utah’s result in 14-3 halfway by the second quarter.

Particular groups errors arrange each second-quarter scoring drives for the Utes. The Gators dedicated a fourth-down tools infraction penalty to negate a punt and preserve the Utes’ second landing drive alive. Then, a 21-yard Florida punt to arrange a 51-yard area aim from Cole Becker.

Sione Vaki tipped an interception to himself contained in the Florida 15 to arrange Utah’s third landing. Barnes capped the 3-play drive with a 5-yard run to place the Utes up 24-3 early within the third quarter.

THE TAKEAWAY

Florida: Producing offensive momentum proved to be a chore for the Gators. Florida totaled solely 8 yards within the second quarter, averaging 0.7 yards per play. The Gators additionally went 0 of 9 on third down earlier than lastly changing one early within the fourth quarter.

Utah: An imposing protection carried the Utes when their offense cooled after a scorching begin. Utah did not get a ton of manufacturing from its usually explosive operating sport, averaging simply 3.5 yards per carry. However the Utes additionally restricted Florida to 13 yards speeding.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

A convincing victory over an SEC opponent will seemingly bolster Utah’s place within the upcoming AP ballot.

UP NEXT

Florida: Hosts McNeese on Sept. 9.