Utah gets its revenge on Florida and cruises to a 13-point win over the first SEC opponent to ever visit Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“This team’s got a lot of grit,” Whittingham said. “Next man up mentality. Couldn’t be prouder of these guys.” As Utah played a relatively clean game, it was Florida’s turn to make costly mistakes on a night it committed nine penalties, missed a field goal and turned the ball over.
Backup quarterback Bryson Barnes finished with 170 yards, a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown.“Bryson Barnes, Nate Johnson did what we needed them to do,” Whittingham said. “It wasn’t pretty at the end there; we kind of let them back in. But we got the victory. On to the next one.” Quarterback Bryson Barnes throws the ball for the Ute, in football action between the Utah Utes and the Florida Gators. At Rice-Ecc;es Stadium, on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.And he made good on his word within the first two minutes of the season opener. Facing an aggressive coverage daring him to throw, Whittingham gave Barnes the opportunity to take a shot on the first play. It resulted in a 70-yard touchdown throw to Money Parks to give Utah an early 7-0. Parks beat Florida safety Jason Marshall Jr. and narrowly escaped a stumbling RJ Moten. But it was a throw that instilled confidence that Utah’s offense could be just fine without Rising. Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz loses the ball after a hit from Utah Utes safety Cole Bishop as the Utah Utes host the Florida Gators, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.With Florida opening the quarter inside the red zone, a delay of game and a false start stalled the drive. The added yardage would also hurt Florida on the scoreboard when a 31-yard field goal attempt went wide right. And even though Florida was within four at the time, 7-3 would be as close as it would get the rest of the night. Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig used Johnson under center to spur a nearly eight-minute touchdown drive as an answer. Florida had its chances to get off the field. It forced a third-down stop, but committed a penalty on the punt by having two players with the name number on the field at the same time.Right before the half, the Utes squeezed in a 51-yard field goal to push the lead to 17-3. It was the first 50-plus-yard field goal Utah had attempted since 2021. Utah Utes safety Sione Vaki intercepts a Florida pass, in football action between the Utah Utes and the Florida Gators. At Rice-Ecc;es Stadium, on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. If things were somewhat manageable before the half, Florida could never get out of its own way long enough to put any serious pressure on Utah. After an early stop, Florida quarterback Graham Metz threw into pressure and Utah came away with an interception. Sione Vaki grabbed a batted ball out of the air to give Utah’s offense the ball inside the 15-yard line.And from there, Utah cruised with a comfortable advantage. Florida committed three more penalties and turned the ball over on down twice in desperation. Utah fans celebrate a second quarter touchdown as the Utah Utes host the Florida Gators, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. Even after Florida’s first touchdown drive of the game, Utah’s defense did enough to keep a comfortable lead. On Florida’s final chance, driving to cut the lead to a touchdown, Utah forced a turnover on downs. BYU transfer Logan Fano came up with a sack on the drive and Defensive lineman Jonah Elliss, a standout all night, tipped Mertz’s final pass of the night away. Utah had five sacks for 47 yards.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2023 NCAA college football season: How to watch the Utah vs. Florida gameNCAA college football is now in full swing for the fall season, kicking off last weekend with a whopping 10 games on Saturday. This Thursday, Week 1 begins when the Florida Gators visit No. 14 Utah for their season opener. So are you ready to watch some football? Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the No. 14 Utah vs. Florida game, plus the rest of the schedule for Week 1 of the 2023 NCAA college football season, from Thursday, August 31 through next Monday, September 4.
Read more »
Utah embraces 'special' opportunity to host Florida in historic first at Rice-Eccles StadiumThe University of Florida doesn't travel outside of its state much for nonconference games.
Read more »
The Utah Checkdown podcast: Welcome to the season, UtahGame week has arrived as Utah prepares to welcome Florida to Rice-Eccles Stadium Thursday night.
Read more »
Utah women's soccer shuts out in-state foe Utah Valley in 5-0 winThe Utah Utes women's soccer team found success against the Utah Valley Wolverines Wednesday night.
Read more »