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CFB
(8/31/23) 8:00PM Eastern.
Spread: Florida +4.5 / Utah -4.5
ML: Gators +175 / Utes -210
Over/Under 44
Free Pick: Under 44
Both teams are starting different QB's from last year. Florida's Anthony Richardson was selected 4th overall by the Colts and Utah's Cam Rising is still recovering from an ACL tear. Florida starts transfer Graham Mertz and Utah starts former walk on Bryson Barnes.
Mertz spent the last 4 years at Wisconsin. He completed 59.5% of his passes for 5,405 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions. He also has -21 career rushing yards. It's a complete change as Anthony Richardson was one of the nations best rushing QB's last year.
Last season Florida led one of the best rushing attacks in the Nation but they're in line for some significant regression in 2023. They lost 4 of their 5 starting O-Lineman from last year and one of the best dual threat QB's of the last decade. New starting QB Mertz has next to no running threat which completely changes how the defense defends the run. You're not going to see such gaping rushing lanes with the OL overhaul either.
Utah also boasts one of the best and deepest front 7's in Kyle Wittingham's 19 year Utah coaching career and those are his own words. Specifically at the Edge position. And Florida doesn't have Richardson's freakish athleticism there to avoid sacks. Utah will get home in this one.
On the flip side Utah's Bryson Barnes has very little experience. In his career he's completed 39 of 57 passes for 453 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Utes were hopeful Cam Rising would start in this game but ultimately named Barnes starter a couple days ago. Rising is a much better rusher than Barnes is.
OC Andy Ludwig has opted to run the ball more often than throw whenever Barnes has been under center. Not as many QB designed runs either. Will likely see more of that today with Utah starting a true freshman at left tackle with an otherwise strong offensive line. Florida pass rusher Princely Umanmielen is a projected round 2 NFL draft pick with potential to rise to a first round grade if he builds on his impressive 2022 campaign. He'll be seeing plenty of the Rookie LT.
Utah has ran the ball extremely well in recent years. Going back they've averaged 217.6 rushing yards per game in 2022, 216.8 in 2021, 194 in 2020, and 201.4 in 2019. With 3 returning OL from a season ago and the young signal caller at the helm, they'll rely on that ground game. Looking at a grind out out dogfight in the trenches today.
WinMyBets Owner John Bonnetti has the Winner of the Nebraska/Minnesota Game at 8pm eastern tonight! Gain Website Members access and work with John directly for as low as $59 a week! Click Here to purchase one week of John's College Football!
