Utah Utes @ Florida Gators
While a certain portion of the country may tell you the Florida Gators are the team to beat in this game, they are not. Following a 1-2 start to their 2021 season, the Utah Utes came on strong and finished the year with a Rose Bowl appearance. Offensively, the Pac-12 champions return starting QB Cameron Rising and five of their top six receivers from last season. Tailback Tavion Thomas, who rushed for 1,108 yards and 21 scores, also returns. Replacing linebackers Devin Lloyd and Nephi Sewell will be tough, but the Utes should be able to adjust.
As for Florida, the Gators are coming off a 6-7 season. The offense should be improved with quarterback Anthony Richardson set to start from day one. The team has a nice group of running backs, as well. However, help is needed on both lines — especially the defensive line. Last year, Florida finished 10th in the SEC against the run. Utah’s skill and experience should carry them past the Gators in The Swamp.
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