Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham watches a replay within the recreation in opposition to Ohio State within the 108th Rose Bowl recreation in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. Laura Seitz, Deseret Information
Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson celebrates after making deep throw on the Manning Passing Academy on the Nicholls State College campus in Thibodaux, La. Friday, June 24, 2022. Matthew Hinton, Related Press
No. 7 Utah (0-0) at Florida (0-0)
- Kickoff: Saturday, 5 p.m. MDT
- Venue: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548 capability)
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: KALL 700
- Collection: 1-0, Florida. The Gators beat the Utes 38-29 in Gainesville in 1977.
- Climate: Cloudy skies and temperatures within the low 80s at kickoff with an opportunity of scattered thunderstorms.
The tendencies
For Utah: Expectations are excessive for the No. 7 Utes (their highest ever preseason rating), who're picked to repeat as Pac-12 champions and are broadly considered a darkhorse to achieve the Faculty Soccer Playoff. Can Utah open the season by incomes an enormous highway win in Southeastern Convention nation at The Swamp?
For Florida: The Gators are coming off a disappointing 6-7 season and this marks the debut for new coach Billy Napier. Florida completed the 2021 marketing campaign with a 29-17 loss to Central Florida within the Gasparilla Bowl. The Gators will probably be an underdog in a house opener for the primary time since 1978. Florida has gained 31 straight residence openers.
What to observe for
This Utah-Florida recreation is among the marquee matchups of Week 1 of the 2022 school soccer season, which is why it is going to be televised by ESPN in prime time.
Whereas the Utes have a workers that’s been collectively for years, led by Kyle Whittingham, who’s getting into his 18th season on the helm, first-year Florida coach Billy Napier has been employed to show issues round in Gainesville. Napier and his workers beforehand coached on the College of Louisiana Lafayette.
Although Utah has stability, loads of returning starters, together with quarterback Cam Rising, and a top-10 rating, it's only a slight favourite on the highway in opposition to Florida.
The raucous atmosphere at The Swamp, the humidity and doable inclement climate, may very well be equalizing elements.
Key participant
Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson celebrates after making deep throw on the Manning Passing Academy on the Nicholls State College campus in Thibodaux, La. Friday, June 24, 2022.
Matthew Hinton, Related Press
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: At 6-foot-4 and 232 kilos, the Gainesville native is the undisputed starter after splitting time in 2021 with Emory Jones, who transferred to Arizona State in the course of the offseason. An incredible athlete, Richardson was inconsistent a 12 months in the past. At instances, he confirmed glimpses of his potential however he’s hoping to be a greater passer this season. He accomplished 59% of his makes an attempt, throwing for 529 yards, six touchdowns and 5 interceptions whereas operating for 401 yards and three TDs throughout his two years in Gainesville.
Quotable
“The season’s right here. We’re wanting ahead to the journey all the way down to Gainesville. It will likely be an ideal alternative for our soccer crew. Florida is a extremely proficient crew with loads of actually good gamers — quick and athletic. It's going to take our greatest effort to attempt to get the win.” — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham
“We’re clearly enthusiastic about it being recreation week. We actually look ahead to our followers displaying up. All of us perceive Gainesville transforms on recreation day, and I’m definitely enthusiastic about experiencing that for the primary time being on this facet, proper? So be there early, know that you simply’re part of the crew and that you may contribute and assist our crew when it comes to the sport.” — Florida coach Billy Napier
Subsequent up
Utah hosts Southern Utah in its residence opener subsequent Saturday.
Florida hosts Kentucky in its SEC opener subsequent Saturday.
Utah schedule
Sept. 3 — at Florida (5 p.m., ESPN)
Sept. 10 — vs. Southern Utah (11:30 a.m., Pac-12 Community)
Sept. 17 — vs. San Diego State (8 p.m., ESPN2)
Sept. 24 — at Arizona State (TBD)
Oct. 1 — vs. Oregon State (TBD)
Oct. 5 — vs. Arizona (TBD)
Oct. 15 — vs. USC (TBD)
Oct. 27 — at Washington State (8 p.m., FS1)
Nov. 5 — vs. Arizona (TBD)
Nov. 12 — vs. Stanford (TBD)
Nov. 19 — at Oregon (TBD)
Nov. 26 — at Colorado (TBD)
All instances MT.