The Billy Napier era at Florida began with a game that was an elixir for what ailed the Gator fanbase. Prior to last night’s heart-stopping 29 – 26 win over the #7 ranked Utah Utes, Florida had lost 7 of their last 8 “one score” games. They competed, but just couldn’t get it done in the final moments. Last night, the Gators drove to score the game winning touchdown in the last minutes of the game AND clinched the game with Amari Burney’s end-zone interception with a mere 17 seconds remaining. Beginning with the infamous shoe-tossing loss to LSU in December of 2020, Florida had found ways to lose more often than they found ways to win the close games.
This win was especially satisfying in that it extended Florida’s nation leading streak of “home opener” wins to thirty-two. While most of these game one wins were against weaker opponents, this one was an exception. Utah was not only a top ten team, but was led by a highly-regarded veteran quarterback. The Utes didn’t disappoint in terms of representing themselves very well in a tough environment. While the heat and humidity were certainly factors, they didn’t wilt down the stretch like many others. The crowd noise from the 90,000+ fans was intense, but Utah managed their snap count and communications without any obvious challenges. They had only two delay/procedure related penalties and one was intentional as they tried to draw Florida offsides on a 4th down play. The Utes managed down and distance masterfully throughout the game and avoided difficult third and long scenarios. Of their 25 first downs, only 8 required third down conversions. Of the 8 converted on third down, the longest was third and 6 and most were in the 2 to 4-yard range. This is a very good running team and they made very few mistakes.
Florida was impressive in their ability to go toe to toe with Utah and refuse to cave in. Four times, the Gators fought back from deficits to tie or take the lead. Anthony Richardson’s growth as a quarterback was evident. He made (mostly) good decisions and managed the game well for a guy in just his second start (both against top ten teams, by the way). Richardson’s amazing athleticism was on display throughout the game, but it was his poise and decision making that was most impressive. He ran when it was needed. He avoided unnecessary hits when he did run. He made mostly good reads and threw to the best choice of receivers based on the circumstances. Only one third down completion came up short of the first down marker. And most importantly, only one ball thrown into coverage that could have been intercepted. All things considered, the Utah game was a big step forward for Richardson.
The Gators’ offensive line was good. Florida ran for 283 yards and averaged over 7 yards per carry. Both winning football type numbers. The passing yardage was more modest (168 yards), but the O-line didn’t give up any sacks (due in large part, however, to Richardson’s elusiveness). The Gators had three false starts for the game, but only one helped kill a drive.
All three of the Florida running backs contributed by earning tough yardage between the tackles. Montrell Johnson and Trevor Étienne both had good Florida debuts despite one fumble each (‘Etienne recovered his own, but Johnson’s was a costly lost possession) by averaging over 8 yards per carry on combined stats. Nay’Quan Wright was solid throughout. Each back brings a different skill set and provides important depth and versatility.
Xzavior Henderson led the Gators with 6 catches, but Ricky Pearsall was Florida’s top receiver in terms of yardage. He displayed what made him such an effective slot receiver for Arizona State last year. Florida’s longest passing play was for just 23 yards. Florida will need to show they can stretch the field to be successful in the games ahead.
Defensively, the Gators got pushed around the entire second half, but made two huge plays when it mattered most. The 4th down stop (from the 1 yard line) and the preceding 3rd down stop (from inside the 3) on Utah’s first drive of the second half preserved a 14-13 Florida lead at the time. The goal line interception, on 2nd and goal from the 6 yard line, on Utah’s last offensive play sealed the game. Otherwise, for the game, the Gators gave up 446 yards of total offense and allowed over 7 yards per play. Utah didn’t have to punt at all in the second half. Still, Florida battled and had their moments against a really good running team with a versatile quarterback.
Ventrell Miller’s return to the lineup after last year’s season ending injury was significant. The Gators are a much more organized and solid team with him in the middle. The youth and limited depth in Florida’s defensive line was a problem, especially against a power running team with a veteran O-line like Utah’s. Florida substituted continuously to keep guys as fresh as possible, but this created some continuity issues and confusion when subs rushed on to the field just in time to get set before (or during) the snap. The Gators played, defensively, a bunch of young guys and guys new to the program, so things should improve with experience. Shemar James played a bunch of snaps at the weakside linebacker. Devan Moore started and played most of the important plays at one cornerback. Five guys were first time starters.
Florida played, for the most part, with a greater level of focus and poise. For a few guys, missed assignments (contain and/or gap control) were problems, but the Gators didn’t have any of last year’s personal foul type penalties. Trey Dean was the only Gator who has obvious challenges managing his emotions. Fortunately, the officials ignored his post-play yakking and post-game antics. It may take the coaching staff a little longer to shape his maturity and team first focus.
On a side note, I may feel differently when I watch the replay, but my first impression is the Pac-12 officiating crew wasn’t good yesterday. Cam Rising may very well have scored for Utah on the Gators third down stop preceding the big fourth down stop. They missed what was probably a goal-line pass interference on a first half deep ball to Xzavior Henderson. They also called an obvious incompletion, complete, on Utah’s last drive. Everyone was confused by the 10 second “run off” enforced in the last minute of the first half when Florida had the ball and the injury was a Utah player. Finally, they continuously failed to allow Florida adequate time to make substitutions before the snap to counter Utah substitutions.
Next week, Kentucky will provide another big (but different) challenge for the Gators. Playing at home again will help, but the Wildcats return a strong team that beat the Gators (in Lexington) last year. Will Levis is another experienced quarterback and Kentucky has experience playing in the toughest, loudest SEC stadiums.
