[Mark Wheeler]

It’s finally here.

Florida takes on No. 7 Utah to open the 2022 football season at 7 p.m. in the Swamp.

Later this afternoon Rafael de la Santos, Cam Parker, Zack Weiss, and Chris Will will be reporting live from the stadium.

Stay tuned all afternoon and night for the latest.

[Mark Wheeler]

GAME DAY! @GatorsFB plays football today ?

See you in The Swamp ?#GoGators pic.twitter.com/VojNLsGFmU

— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Rise up! It’s Gameday in The Swamp for @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/5d6cH0MGm4

— Chip Howard (@Chip_Howard) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Yessirrr?? Let’s Do It Gator Nation❤️

— C H I E F??? (@ChiefBorders) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Was riding through campus this morning Folks tailgating at 8 am. for a game that starts at 7 PM THIS IS FLORIDA BALL!! ???

— Adam Shuler (@Adam_goeshard) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

College GameDay picks for #Gators vs. #Utes…

Desmond: Utah
Jack Harlow: Florida
Corso: Utah
Herbstreit: Florida

My pick: Florida wins 31-23.

— Thomas Goldkamp (@ThomasGoldkamp) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

5 1/2 hours until kickoff… pic.twitter.com/4OwmVYnIPQ

— Inside the Gators (@InsideTheGators) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

Current scene outside of Ben Hill, right at the Bull Gator with just about 2.5 hours till kickoff.
Can’t help but notice the number of Utes fans waiting to take pictures next to the infamous statue.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/9ARb5yHDMX

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Chris Will]

Rain starting to come down outside of Ben Hill Griffin. Band is moving in for Gator Walk.

[Cam Parker]

The New Ball Coach’s first Gator walk despite the Florida weather

(Shoutout to my tripod extender for coming in the clutch)@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/6iQndtscBm

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) September 3, 2022

To say it rained would be an understatement

[Mark Wheeler]

Suited and booted through the rain. @Arlisb42 and @A_Savaiinaea make an appearance before the game?@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/L5N3X0xI7J

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 3, 2022

[Chris Will]

The party outside the stadium has died down due to the rain, but now the fans crowd the entrances as we’re about an hour and a half from kickoff

[Zackary Weiss]

Gator walk — nearly 2 hours till kickoff pic.twitter.com/WQatcphlvJ

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

Updated scene: Less than 2 hours till kickoff now.
Rainesville giving Napier a classic performance today pic.twitter.com/CzGTHYqwSF

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

@coach_bnapier and the Gators have arrived in The Swamp to take on the Utah. @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/b6v4mVXanK

— Chris Will (@ChrisWill_TV) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

The Swamp.
Less than 1.5 hours till kickoff.
Rain has begun to die down for the time being — a slight drizzle at this point.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/8C5VlRRaUO

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Chris Will]

One hour until game time. I’ll be on the field with @rafdelossantos providing updates for @InsideTheGators #Gators #Utes pic.twitter.com/gyyp22l4Zp

— Chris Will (@ChrisWill_TV) September 3, 2022

[Chris Will]

Diabate is back in Ben Hill Griffin.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/4b3zebpMYu

— Chris Will (@ChrisWill_TV) September 3, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Utah QB Cam Rising warming up in the rain.

Weather affecting Utah’s receivers at the moment @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/tMlelsg7HV

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) September 3, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Here come the Gators for warmups ? @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/joPLMcl1aX

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 3, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Someone to look out for tonight:
Xzavier Henderson ?@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/sz2fkeslf6

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 3, 2022

[Cam Parker]

K Adam Mihalek announced as the starting kicker for the Gators today. Would not be surprised if Trey Smack makes an appearance tonight as well. @InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) September 3, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Florida 3-Star OL commit @bryceLovett55 watching the OL warmups in front of the Utah corner @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/3p5LWghMoc

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

Boos from the crowd join the rain in pouring down on the Utes as they make their way onto the field to warm up.#Gators #Utes #Florida #Utah @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/yi3k8ARcmV

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

The stands roar as Florida comes together in the end zone.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/iYlr30d0QL

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

Crowd reaction to @GVOaant being announced.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/TommMDR5q5

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

Rain seems to be affecting everyone a bit.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/QY4zNiUK9y

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Cam Parker]

For reference about the kickers (sorry for bringing up a tough reminder), Florida began the season with two kickers: Jace Christmann did long field goals and kickoffs, while Chris Howard did short field goals and PATs. Christmann took the full-time job after Howard missed a PAT against Alabama. Howard re-took the job after Christmann missed multiple kicks against UGA.

Won’t be surprising to see both kickers tonight, but unsure of who takes what role.

[Mark Wheeler]

This damn Arkansas-Cincinnati game on ESPN is going to run well past 7 p.m.

[Zackary Weiss]

Seen here warming up: @GatorsFB RB @Trevor_Etienne — younger brother of @swaggy_t1.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/D8ogCTOEfV

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

Like ‘em or not, @Utah_Football fans showed up.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/qg9C21MLyr

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Zackary Weiss]

10 minutes. We’re here.#Florida #Gators #Utah #Utes #FloridavsUtah #CFB@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/We8IrVcOiB

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Cam Parker]

In the event that Cincinnati @ Arkansas runs long on ESPN, our game will start on ESPNEWS and the ESPN App.

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Utah won the toss and deferred.

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida starts in a hole with a penalty right off the bat.

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida is going no huddle, which means Utah can’t substitue.

[Mark Wheeler]

Pearsall wide open over the middle for his first catch as a Gator.

[Mark Wheeler]

Not to jinx it, but UF is making it look easy. That man in motion freezes the defense just momentarily.

[Mark Wheeler]

Lord. Johnson just gave back all that field position, not to mention momentum.

[Mark Wheeler]

Burney on coverage, complete pass.

[Cam Parker]

Players not dressed out for Florida tonight:

QB Jack Miller III (thumb)
OL David Conner (thumb)
DB Jaydon Hill (ACL recovery)
TE Arlis Boardingham (upper-body)
RB Cornelius Barnes
QB Jack Anders
WR Daniel Cross
P Jack Brady
P Tyler Waxman
LS Chase Whitfield@InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) September 3, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Florida is putting pressure consistently, but boy Rising’s veteran presence is paying off. Good job by him stepping up into the pocket in hitting his TE for the score.

TEs are a big part of this offense and it worked in the short-field drive.

[Mark Wheeler]

What UF can’t afford to have happen is to allow Utah to quiet down this crowd and take them out of the game.

[Mark Wheeler]

Utah, a running team, didn’t attempt a rush on that short drive.

[Cam Parker]

Looks like Trevor Etienne will be making his first appearance

[Cam Parker]

And just like that the true freshman breaks a big one. Great block on the edge by Michael Tarquin

[Mark Wheeler]

As was on the depth chart, Etienne gets on the field before Lingard.

[Cam Parker]

I said throughout camp that blocking would be the strength, especially for the tight ends. Nice blocking so far by Dante Zanders in his first start

[Zackary Weiss]

Scoring drive for @Utah_Football:

6 plays in 1 minute and 24 seconds.@InsideTheGators

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 3, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Brenton Cox Jr. violently went for the strip on that run

[Cam Parker]

Great play by Princely Umanmielen. Florida is stacking the front hard.

Now Tyreak Sapp and Antwaun Powell-Ryland sub in

[Cam Parker]

Great play by Princely Umanmielen. Florida is stacking the front hard.

Now Tyreak Sapp and Antwaun Powell-Ryland sub in

[Zackary Weiss]

Florida gets the stop on 3rd down. Utah will punt it off on 4th and 7. Under 8 minutes to go in the first.

[Cam Parker]

Trey Dean with the pressure and had some words for Rising. He’s been playing up at the line of scrimmage all night in another STAR spot. Torrence II has been the lone safety.

[Mark Wheeler]

That was a hell of a response from the Florida defense to pitch a three and out.

[Cam Parker]

Zipperer comes in at running back. There hasn’t been a single sub with receivers, OL or QB

[Mark Wheeler]

Through two drives each, Florida is averaging 8.8 yards per play, the defense is only giving up 3.3 yards per play.

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida commits its second penalty of the game.

[Cam Parker]

Florida is refusing to go down on first contact, from the WR to AR and even the backs (even on Johnson’s fumble)

[Mark Wheeler]

Great effort after the catch by Henderson to allow UF to open up the playbook a little more on third and short.

[Cam Parker]

AR magic happening. The big thing: he slid.

Talked a bit in his Thursday media availability about how he’s practice sliding throughout camp. Paying off

[Mark Wheeler]

That is what Richardson can do for this offense. Not many can tackle him one on one.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Good patience from AR there, Pearsall was open for a split second there, you could see AR widened his eyes when he saw him. Elected the safer ground option for a gain

[Mark Wheeler]

For all the talk of two tight end sets, we aren’t seeing that a lot early on.

[Mark Wheeler]

Napier preached eliminating penalties, but they are rearing their ugly head.

[Cam Parker]

Outstanding pocket by the OL on that throw. Especially on the edges. Richardson keeping his eyes down field rather than running shows massive maturity and growth from last season.

Pearsall with the best hands on the field for either team.

[Mark Wheeler]

That was a huge third down conversion, but as impressive was Pearsall doing something we didn’t see a lot of last year, getting a ton of separation.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Inexperience in Reynolds there, he has to trust Shorter to make the block, picked his head up too early

[Mark Wheeler]

That humidity getting to Utah #4.

[Cam Parker]

Short memory: Johnson gets the first down on his second carry after fumbling in his first.

And now here comes the 12-man formation (two-tight ends on the field)

[Mark Wheeler]

Johnson makes amends for the fumble with that third down conversion.

[Cam Parker]

The tight ends are Zanders and Zipperer

[Zackary Weiss]

AR’s leadership that his teammates and coach speak so highly of is clear as day in this drive. Commanding the line of scrimmage in every facet, making sure everyone is in the right spot and the right time. Clear progression since the Spring.

[Mark Wheeler]

I would take the three here. The defense has looked good so far. Take the surer thing and put them back out there.

[Cam Parker]

Adam Mihalek is warming up like he’s about to kick, but the offense is still huddled at the 25 yard line.

[Cam Parker]

And they will go for it. Johnson is the RB

[Cam Parker]

What a play call, completely fooled the Utah defense

fake dive and a rollout to the RB

Two-point try and AR keeps it. Florida leads 8-7

[Mark Wheeler]

Gutsy call, great execution.

[Cam Parker]

Excuse me: Johnson was short, AR keeps it for the score PAT is good

[Mark Wheeler]

The Utah defense was completely fooled on that keeper as three defenders crashed on the running back as Richardson walked into the endzone.

[Cam Parker]

14-play, 63-yard drive in 7:32

[Mark Wheeler]

CAT UF Utah
YDS 166 27
FD 9 2
TOP 11:25 2:56

[Cam Parker]

14-play, 63-yard drive in 7:32

[Cam Parker]

Both OL are controlling the LOS pretty well so far, Florida with the slight advantage but a good job tonight by Utah so far.

Florida’s lack of depth on the DL showing.

End of 1. Tied at 7

[Mark Wheeler]

Utah’s center handled Desmond Watson 1-on-1 there to create a hole in the middle on that five yard run for a first down.

[Cam Parker]

Boy oh boy are the fans, Napier and Johnson mad about that catch, did not think he caught it

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by Cam Parker.

[Zackary Weiss]

Crowd is absolutely roaring at the start of the 2nd Q here. That last drive eviscerated any despondency there may have been from Utah’s early touchdown.

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida didn’t challenge that?

[Cam Parker]

Chris McCellan about to make his first appearance

[Cam Parker]

Chris McCellan about to make his first appearance

[Mark Wheeler]

Burney with the big hit to bring up third down.

[Cam Parker]

Shemar James in for Johnson

[Cam Parker]

Stacking the box = tackle for loss.

Gator DL holds the LOS and the edges and LBs clean it up

[Mark Wheeler]

Meet Mr. Miller in the hole…

[Rafael De Los Santos]

What a fourth down to set up the ?TD @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/zFWuS163q9

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 3, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

POV: First TD of the new season goes to @GVOaant @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/HE0B7x62fX

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 3, 2022

[Cam Parker]

To say Ventrell Miller’s leadership and playmaking was missed in 2021 is an understatement. Two big back-to-back tackles

[Mark Wheeler]

Meet Mr. Miller in the hole…

[Zackary Weiss]

Napier had a long talk with the officials during that break.

[Zackary Weiss]

Holding on Jordan Pouncey during the punt return lands Florida at their own 11 with 10:19 to go in the 2nd Q.

[Cam Parker]

Billy Napier calls special teams “Game Changers,” even going as far as not having an on-field ST coach (Chris Couch is an off-field coach called “Game Changer Coordinator”)

So far, Florida has a punt downed inside the 20, has yet to call a fair catch on kickoffs and now has two holding calls on returns

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida’s fourth penalty. Utah hasn’t committed any yet.

Napier said they wanted to get down to averaging only one penalty every 30 plays.

That likely means they won’t be able to commit any more tonight if both teams get around 60 snaps.

[Cam Parker]

New Gator OL: Austin Barber and Richie Leonard IV are now in

[Cam Parker]

Here’s the #Gators new celebration cane making its first appearance, courtesy of Anthony Richardson pic.twitter.com/QkX9hHB96S

— Brock Brames (@BrockBrames) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida’s offensive line is getting handled the first two plays of this drive.

[Cam Parker]

Zipperer whiffs on the block for the screen and Crawshaw’s out to punt

[Mark Wheeler]

Third down and long and Florida throws the ball at the line of scrimmage.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

?Guest of honor: @CormaniMcClain2 @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/XL7sR35lQP

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 4, 2022

[Cam Parker]

On Utah’s FG drive: https://twitter.com/GAllanTaylor/status/1566215832941735936?s=20&t=4XEvxPhZCtrv57gefL7ZVA

[Romeg8r]

Way too conservative on offense so far.

[Cam Parker]

Roster observation: I would be very surprised if Diwun Black sees the field tonight. Although he’s dressed out, he is nowhere near the huddle during the TO. He’s talking with Jaydon Hill on the sideline about 25-30 yards away from the huddle

[Cam Parker]

Jalen Kimber and Devin Moore making their first appearances at corner

[Mark Wheeler]

Dexter with the stop in the backfield.

[Cam Parker]

Florida has yet to make a sub at safety. Dean III and Torrence II have been in the entire game. Every other position group has made at least one sub

[Mark Wheeler]

Torrence with a terrible whiff on that tackle attempt.

[Cam Parker]

Princely Umanmielen has been either on or right next to the tackle on most runs

[Mark Wheeler]

Torrence is having a rough drive.

[Zackary Weiss]

Rashad Torrence visually upset after missing a big tackle on first down.

[Zackary Weiss]

Rashad Torrence makes up for a missed tackle QUICKLY, with the huge play on 2nd down. He’s hyped up.

[Cam Parker]

And Rashad Torrence makes up for the missed tackle with big stop on third. Utah to go for it.

Great job by Johnson sealing the edge and holding the line for Torrence to come in

[Mark Wheeler]

Torrence makes up for his earlier miscues a little there.

[Cam Parker]

My oh my these refs will be public enemy No. 1 for Gator fans by time this game is over. Say Utah called a TO before the snap

[Zackary Weiss]

Utah fails to convert on fourth down, but officials say a timeout was called prior to the snap. Utah timeout — 3:23 to go in the half — 4th and 2 on the Gators’ 8.

[Cam Parker]

Does look like Whittingham got it off just in time. Big break for the Utes

[Cam Parker]

And a delay of game will cost Utah a fourth-down try. Sending out the FG unit

This game is easily as loud as Bama from last season

[Cam Parker]

And a delay of game will cost Utah a fourth-down try. Sending out the FG unit

This game is easily as loud as Bama from last season

[Mark Wheeler]

Great restraint and discipline by the Florida defense not to jump there.

[Zackary Weiss]

Field goal is a 31-yarder for Utah. They lead 13-7.

[Cam Parker]

Early contender for stat of the day: Cam Rising is 9/12 for 63 yards and a TD, but that’s not the big stat.

This is: Tight end Kuithe has six of those receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. To say Utah has been relying on him in the passing game is an understatement

[Mark Wheeler]

Utah has three scores on 107 yards of offense due to special teams’ penalties and a turnover. Save for a couple of missed tackles, UF’s defense hasn’t played badly at all.

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida has to try to stretch the field here. By my count, they’ve only thrown two passes that have gone more than 15 yards in the air. They’re allowing the Ute defense to creep closer to the line to defend the run because they don’t respect the intermediate or deep pass.

[Romeg8r]

Just fair catch this kickoff. Tired of starting on our ten

[Rafael De Los Santos]

The Swamp forces Utah to move back, they settle for a FG.

Utah leads 13-7@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/HIaoJrRqj8

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 4, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Florida may want to start taking fair catches inside the 25 to get touchbacks. It hasn’t been pretty so far in the return game

[Mark Wheeler]

Fielding a kickoff, above your head, on the one-yard line. What is it going to take for UF to become at least decent on special teams?

[Zackary Weiss]

Richardson is connecting with Xavier Henderson at a high level tonight. Whenever AR’s scrambling and in “trouble,” #3 seems to be his safety valve.

[Mark Wheeler]

There you go, back-to-back intermediate passes. That will open up the run game.

[Cam Parker]

Have a first-half Ricky Pearsall: 3 catches for 51 yards, average of 17 yds/catch

[Mark Wheeler]

Imagine being the deep guy standing between the endzone and Anthony Richardson running full speed right at you.

[Cam Parker]

AR with his career-high for rushing TDs in a game (2)

[Zackary Weiss]

2 rushing touchdowns is a single-game career high for Richardson. There’s still 1:42 to go in the first half.

[Cam Parker]

After Mihalek’s touchback, Florida’s kick off time ran into the end zone to hype the crowd. Saw S Donovan McMillan leading the way

[Cam Parker]

AR with 5 carries for 74 yards and 2 TDs, blowing my prediction for him out of the water (said 75 rushing yards the entire game)

[Cam Parker]

Can’t say enough about the pressure being brought by Florida’s DL. Rising cannot complete a pass down field because of it. Cox Jr. has been a star even if he doesn’t have the sacks

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Scramble from @GVOaant and it’s a Gator lead before the half 14-13?@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/osCj2BlSPE

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) September 4, 2022

[Cam Parker]

TD celebration #2 on the night, courtesy of @GVOaant @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/r0QcePD2Yy

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 4, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Diabate is cramping up on the field. Boos coming up. It’s been a while since he’s felt the Florida humidity

[Cam Parker]

10-second runoff apparently due to injury. Think the Utah coaches knew what they were doing?

[Cam Parker]

Don’t be alarmed by the boos. Everytime an official turns his mic on, Gator nation lets him hear it.

Half- Florida leads 14-13

[Romeg8r]

Lead at the half with a good time of possession. I like our chances.

[Mark Wheeler]

You had 41 seconds and two time-outs. Do you sit on the ball there and go in to the half, or try run a play or two to see if you can get a chunk of yardage?

[Mark Wheeler]

At the half…

[Mark Wheeler]

a Utah fan:

The loudest stadium I’ve ever heard holy shit

— MUSSEMERITUS (@MUSSemeritus) September 3, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Utah center, #51, has been able to handle Watson one on one the few plays he has been in there. You can’t be that big and not take up two blockers.

[Cam Parker]

Florida’s edges (Umanmielen and Cox Jr.) are putting good pressure on passes, but are struggling with runs underneath. High motors but Utah taking advantage of it.

[Cam Parker]

As I say that: Cox Jr. gets a TFL

[Mark Wheeler]

Cox with the big play in the backfield.

[Cam Parker]

Florida’s interior DL is getting bullied to say the least. Depth issues showing.

[Mark Wheeler]

This has been too easy for Utah to open the half.

[Zackary Weiss]

Illegal substitution penalty on Florida in a goal-line situation. Mistakes like that are what cost games.

[Mark Wheeler]

Watson stood his ground on that play, but UF had too many men on the field.

[Cam Parker]

There’s some pushing and jawing in the end zone. 78 on Utah with a pancake block after the whistle

[Mark Wheeler]

The Florida turf made the biggest Florida defensive play of this drive.

[Cam Parker]

Des Watson staying on the field for fourth down.

[Zackary Weiss]

UF gets the stop on 4th & goal, and this place is ROARING.

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by Zackary Weiss.

[Zackary Weiss]

*the play is under review

[Mark Wheeler]

It might not be on par with the LSU goal-line stand, but in the overall scheme of things, that was HUGE for the Florida defense. Gators take possession.

[Cam Parker]

Play under review, but I thought it was a fumble after watching replay. Powell-Ryland had the ball on the sideline after the play and it didn’t look like the Utah RB had the ball when he reached his arm over

[Cam Parker]

Massive play for the Gator DL. Bullied on the drive, but made the play when it counted the most

[Zackary Weiss]

Ruling stands after review. Gators get the crucial 4th & goal stop.

[Cam Parker]

Etienne back at RB

[Mark Wheeler]

And it is a Florida lineman with a false start at home before a Utah lineman commits one because of noise.

[Cam Parker]

Have a debut Trevor Etienne:

Multiple big runs

[Mark Wheeler]

Napier calling a play for Richardson to throw with his back at his end zone is something you wouldn’t have seen Mullen do

[Cam Parker]

Once again, the bootleg works. Utah has no answers.

Napier’s play calling has been really good

[Zackary Weiss]

Richardson’s been scrambling to the right sideline and finding Shorter right in front of him all night long.

[Cam Parker]

AR short arms a throw to Zanders, missed Etienne wide open in the flat

[Mark Wheeler]

I LOVE that play design. First down Florida with Richardson hitting the second level receiver.

[Cam Parker]

Eguakun with flashes of the UK game from last season – late snap, everyone but him moved. Really his first big mistake of the night

[Mark Wheeler]

In the middle of the field like that, that’s when Richardson needs to just go down. No need to take needless hits. Especially considering the depth at the position.

[Mark Wheeler]

Napier’s goal of one penalty every 30 plays isn’t going to happen tonight with yet another false start on this drive to put UF in a hole.

[Cam Parker]

Crawshaw is 2/3 on punts that are downed inside the 20.

3 punts for 120 yards

[Zackary Weiss]

Richardson threw an INT that wasn't an INT due to Utah's Van Fillinger's drop – big break for AR and the Gators. They'll end up getting to punt it on 4th.

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 4, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Burney is not having a good night to say the least. Got burned deep on that one, Utah player is hurt.

In my preseason superlatives, I said Burney would be the most disappointing on defense. While the defense is having an overall good night, he’s struggled out in space

[Cam Parker]

Kamari Wilson is in for Torrence II

[Zackary Weiss]

Utah WR Brant Kuithe back up after getting hurt on the previous play. He appears to be alright.

[Cam Parker]

Wilson makes the tackle. Utah doing a good job of hitting those speed screens in space

[Mark Wheeler]

We thought that would happen much earlier and more often, the Utah tight end abuses a Florida linebacker (Burney) for a big gain.

[Zackary Weiss]

Another injured player for Utah – RB Micah Bernard. He’s now up and off the field, appears not to be serious.

[Cam Parker]

Des Watson may not be the most athletic, but his size alone plugs up gaps.

[Cam Parker]

Justus Boone making an immediate impact. Great job holding the edge, shedding the block and making the stop

This DL and OLB have come to play tonight

[Zackary Weiss]

Florida’s front 7 have been dominant tonight. The Utes continue to struggle in the ground game, especially up the middle.

[Romeg8r]

Our defense is not great

[Cam Parker]

Utah takes the lead.

Cox Jr. had a chance but got blocked as he went for the tackle. Marshall Jr. whiffed.

Still a lot of tackling issues for this defense

[Cam Parker]

Utah fumbles on the 2-pt try. A UF touchdown would automatically give them the lead

[Zackary Weiss]

Gators get the stop Utah’s 2-point conversion attempt — 19-14 Utes.

[Zackary Weiss]

Richardson and his backup, Kitna, are throwing passes together on the sideline.

[Cam Parker]

9-play 89-yd drive that lasted 4:29 for Utah. Drives like that win games. UF can’t score on offense if the defense can’t get off the field

[Cam Parker]

Florida FINALLY takes a touchback on the kickoff

[Zackary Weiss]

Xavier Henderson has been great tonight for Napier, returning kickoffs and acting as Richardson’s safety valve on multiple occasions. He looks ready to go this season.

[Mark Wheeler]

First catch for a tight end tonight.

[Mark Wheeler]

That spin was worth the price of admission. First down Florida.

[Zackary Weiss]

Since his early turnover, Montrell Johnson has had himself a GAME. Big play after big play. Shows a lot of maturity not to let a mistake like the one he had get to him. What an outing. Napier’s gotta like what he’s seen out of him tonight.

[Cam Parker]

What a debut for Montrell Johnson

Nearly a perfect game since his fumble on his first carry and now his first UF touchdown

Gators in the lead after the TD and going for two

[Cam Parker]

Is it too early to say Heisman moment for Anthony Richardson?

[Mark Wheeler]

That might just top the play where Richardson hurdled the defender. Lord.

[Cam Parker]

We aren’t supposed to cheer or really anything in the press box, but the amount of media members with their jaws on the floor and laughing after that two-point conversion was priceless. Can confirm that I was one of them

[Zackary Weiss]

Who’s ready for the Anthony Richardson heisman talk?

[Zackary Weiss]

I concur.

[Mark Wheeler]

Just about everyone, myself included, thought this would be a run-heavy (I mean run-heavy) offense. However, it is close to 50-50 here in the fourth quarter with 26 rushes and 22 passes, and some of the rushes actually came off of called pass plays

[Cam Parker]

Give a lot of credit to the Utah OL. Run blocking has been tremendous. Miller got pancaked on that one

[Cam Parker]

Brenton Cox was mad after that run, wanted a holding call on 78

[Cam Parker]

Crowd noise has caused at least three penalties on Utah tonight

Swamp = X factor

[Cam Parker]

It’s in the name? Burney gets burned… again. Big third-down conversion for Utah

[Mark Wheeler]

Burney gives up the big play again.

[Cam Parker]

Burney gets subbed out for Shemar James. I expect that 6 will be on the field most of the rest of the night

[Cam Parker]

James making an immediate impact with the pressure. Might be best to keep him in

[Mark Wheeler]

A time-tested tradition – no matter who is on the field or who coaches them, Florida’s linebackers continuously get used in coverage.

[Zackary Weiss]

This is officially the largest opening crowd in school history, per the PA announcer.

[Mark Wheeler]

That was Miller meeting the back in the middle again to bring up third down. How differently might have last year gone had he been healthy?

[Cam Parker]

Largest opening crowd in school history tonight just announced

[Cam Parker]

Did not get the number as the crowd was cheering too loud to hear

[Mark Wheeler]

Now it’s Miller’s turn to give up the chunk play to a tight end.

[Zackary Weiss]

26-22 Utah after a TD and XP.

[Mark Wheeler]

Helm having to tacke Thomas one on one is a no go from the get go. Touchdown Utah and Florida has to respond once again.

[Zackary Weiss]

The 90,799 here in the stadium tonight is the 10th highest in school history.

[Cam Parker]

Big thing bc of Utah missing a 2-pt and Florida getting one, a FG puts them down by one, TD takes the lead.

UF has all three TO

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida comes out conservative here.

[Zackary Weiss]

Napier trusting Trevor Etienne at RB here late in the 4th.

[Mark Wheeler]

Great play for Henderson to get the first down when Florida throws a screen again on third down.

[Mark Wheeler]

Etienne’s life probably just passed before his eyes.

[Zackary Weiss]

On cue, Etienne breaks away for a 15 yd run which leaves Florida at Utah’s 35. Nearly fumbled it, but recovered.

[Cam Parker]

I will say, Napier has had some brilliant play calls, but that wasn’t one of them. 4th down coming up

[Mark Wheeler]

They have to go for it now on fourth down and two.

[Zackary Weiss]

4th & 3 at Utah’s 26. Down 4. 1:53 left in the game. Napier calls a timeout.

[Cam Parker]

Napier calls a TO with 1:53 left. This could be the ballgame right here

[Mark Wheeler]

I don’t understand that. Now, if you don’t get it, you have used more of the clock and burnt a time-out. Basically, that likely means that the game comes down to this play.

[Zackary Weiss]

Richardson’s 169 passing yards tonight is a career-high.

[Cam Parker]

Richardson gets out of bounds and the clock stops

[Zackary Weiss]

Timeout Utah with 1:25 on the clock. 2nd & goal for the Gators.

[Mark Wheeler]

Huge run by Richardson and then Johnson.

[Cam Parker]

big thing by Johnson – stayed in bounds to keep the clock running. Napier wants this to be their very last offensive drive while forcing Utah to burn timeouts

Utah calls a timeout

[Zackary Weiss]

With the ball game on the line, @GVOaant ladies and gentlemen.
Cool, calm and collected.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/1vHUNlveim

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 4, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Richardson now with his career-high rushing touchdown total in a game

[Zackary Weiss]

3 TDs on the night for @GVOaant…
That means 3 baton celebrations.

Gators now lead 29-26 after the extra point — 1:25 to go.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/H3bg3bUw1R

— Zack Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) September 4, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Miller with a near-interception for the second straight play

Beautiful disguise in coverage

[Mark Wheeler]

Miller had the game ender, but couldn’t come down with it.

[Mark Wheeler]

Is UF going to just concede them field position for a FG attempt?

[Zackary Weiss]

After dropping the game-winning INT, Ventrell Miller makes a huge tackle on a fresh first down.

[Cam Parker]

Big tackle by Perkins keeps the RB in bounds. Utah forced to call another timeout

[Cam Parker]

Big tackle by Perkins keeps the RB in bounds. Utah forced to call another timeout

[Zackary Weiss]

Jadarrius Perkins is HYPED up on the sidelines after making the tackle on 2nd & 7.

[Cam Parker]

Never mind- helmet came off, no timeout charged

[Mark Wheeler]

Perkins with the tackle in bounds to force Utah to burn their final timeout.

[Cam Parker]

Florida interior DL costs them again, Rising massive run

[Zackary Weiss]

Cam Rising breaks free for a 29 yd run on 3rd down — absolutely brutal for Florida.

[Cam Parker]

Devin Moore with his first big play as a Gator: tackle in bounds forces Utah to burn their final TO

[Mark Wheeler]

Look at the defensive alignment pre-snap. Florida had way too many defenders well behind the first down marker. What did they hope to accomplish there?

[Zackary Weiss]

Devin Moore with the pro-level, textbook tackle on first down for the Gators.

[Mark Wheeler]

WTF is going on here.

[Zackary Weiss]

Utah has zero timeouts remaining.

[Chris Will]

Burney and Cox noticeably upset with each other after that last play

[Cam Parker]

Burney makes up for it with the play of his career. INT in the endzone. This game is over. What a start to the Billy Napier era

[Mark Wheeler]

What a start to the Billy Napier era.

[Romeg8r]

Great win. But defense must get better.

[Author]

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