The conventional approach to week one scheduling for Power Five conference teams is to schedule a cup cake. The rationale for scheduling easy first game opponents is to have live action to work out the kinks. Teams also hope to carry the typical off-season hopefulness into the season. This and last season, Florida chose to start with games against the nationally ranked Utah Utes. The win last year launched the Billy Napier era with (perhaps too much) optimism. This year’s loss had the opposite effect. Despite the realities of playing a nationally ranked, back to back PAC-12 champion on the road and at altitude, Gator fans expected a better showing from the their team. The ugliness of the early action set the tone and made it difficult for the Gators to recover. It also made it tough for Florida fans to appreciate some good things that did occur.

Generally speaking, Florida tackled better in this game than in many of last year’s game. Defensive line depth looked to be improved and the third down (defensive) conversion rate was better. Young players on both sides of the ball contributed and will just get better and better with experience. Gator quarterback, Graham Mertz, handled himself well. In the big picture, these things are important.

Unfortunately, in the shorter-term, procedural penalties in three key red zone short yardage situations cost Florida points and momentum in important game situations. A missed short field goal attempt and a poor (freshman) decision to catch a punt at his own five yard line were other gaffes that contributed to the hole Florida dug for themselves. If the Gator’s can address these type problems, they have a chance to win seven games this year.

My take on the ultra-critical “two players with same jersey number” penalty that cost Florida seven points is different than most. The problem to me, originates much earlier than determining whether blame falls on the players or the coaches. In a program that purports it’s priorities to be “team first”, there is no excuse for assigning multiple players the same jersey number. This practice doesn’t help referees, statisticians, fans, or teams in any way. It serves only the individual players who want single digit numbers. With 99 possible jersey numbers and the limit of 70 players that can dress out for games there is no need for duplication.

Florida has struggled on the road of late, but has an opportunity to settle down and rebound with home games the next three weeks. Tennessee on September 16th will be another very tough task, but McNeese State (on the 9th) and Charlotte (on the 23rd) are both games the Gators should win.