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Game 1 Discussion Thread: Florida @ Utah (Thursday August 31, 2023 @ 8pm EST)
Posted on 8/8/23 at 2:47 pm
Posted on 8/8/23 at 2:47 pm
https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401520176
Big game to kick off the season for the second year in a row.
Big game to kick off the season for the second year in a row.
3
Posted on 8/8/23 at 9:15 pm to Partha
I’m not sold that Utahs “new talented WRs” will make a huge difference.
Florida has significantly improved in all 3 levels on defense.
If Floridas offense can do enough to keep the game close heading into the 4th, I’ll take UF in a close one late
Florida has significantly improved in all 3 levels on defense.
If Floridas offense can do enough to keep the game close heading into the 4th, I’ll take UF in a close one late
Posted on 8/8/23 at 10:15 pm to boXerrumble
I'm a bit worried about the altitude at Rice-Eccles. Last year, much was made of the humidity, but I think the Utes handled it pretty well overall (might've helped us edge them out, but I thought they held strong).
I think the altitude will be a tougher adjustment. I hope for another close win, but since we got one at home last year, I could live with a close, hard fought loss. As long as we don't get our arse kicked and its an enjoyable and competitive game like last year, I would be cool with the outcome.
I think the altitude will be a tougher adjustment. I hope for another close win, but since we got one at home last year, I could live with a close, hard fought loss. As long as we don't get our arse kicked and its an enjoyable and competitive game like last year, I would be cool with the outcome.
Posted on 8/8/23 at 10:18 pm to Partha
A poster on 247 wrote this up on the Utes:
quote:
1- Cam Rising, the 37 year old Utah QB, has been limited due to ACL. If he plays he will not have mobility which not only impacts his scramble / run game it will affect the so called New Jersey read option (I have no idea what New Jersey option means). Longer throws adversely impacted by knee, not his strong suit either way. They complain about Kyle W not sharing info...duh.
2- Next up to play QB is The Rose, a Redshirt (good color choice for them) Freshman who was a 3 * coming out of high school last year. No experience. A pro style qb of about 6-2 210 with some mobility but not a true running threat. In their version of a spring game he was 19 of 24 for 233 yards and 1 TD. Concerns are his first start will be against a D1 team from the SEC.
3- They expect Brent Kuithe, another 37 year old guy, to play vs UF at full strength. He very good, all Pac 12 (now Pac 4 the beach) history.
4-Expected to be Big Ute contributors are guys named Pittman, Matthews (not Shane) and King (not Don). Pittman, from Tampa FL is son of former NFL RB and Super Bowl champ Michael Pittman. Played at Oregon then fsux in 2022. WR who had 32 catches at fsux in 2022 for 330 yd and 3 TD. Avg size of 6-0 214. I'd call it a good, not great wr. Real good at punt returns. Lets not punt much Gators. Matthews is Mikey, let him eat it first. A true FR at 5-8 180, a 4 * out of out west somewhere, but not Hawaii. Next up is King, a TE from Auburn, at 6-5 225 had 6 catches while a Plainsman Tiger who got pooped on by an eagle before a game (reason he trannied to Where Eagles Dont Dare).
5- Claim UF will have serious problems with air, altitude, revenge factor, and Graham Mertz being our QB. If we are not 100% prepped for the altitude then that is on Billy. I've been in Salt Lake City in the summer, like July-August, and it is different that Florida humid heat. If Billy does not have at least 50 oxygen tanks on sidelines for air, then I will meet him at G-ville airport upon return with Harvey Specter and John Gotti.
Posted on 8/9/23 at 7:19 am to Partha
Altitude will be a minor issue, these are well conditioned athletes not old, over weight guys like me that might suffer from the thin air.
IMO, the lines of scrimmage on both sides will favor the Gators. D can't give up big plays and Mertz needs to manage the game without turnovers. Gators win, 24-17.
IMO, the lines of scrimmage on both sides will favor the Gators. D can't give up big plays and Mertz needs to manage the game without turnovers. Gators win, 24-17.
Posted on 8/9/23 at 11:05 am to UFMatt
quote:
altitude will be a minor issue
I hope.
I know these kids are in good shape, but adjusting to the air thinness might give Utah a slight edge.
I know SLC isn't Denver or the Andes, so it might not be that much of a factor, but I definitely hope that the guys are ready for it.
Posted on 8/9/23 at 1:39 pm to Partha
If that is the determining factor, we are soft. Too hot, too cold, rainy, sunny will be the next excuses. 
Posted on 8/9/23 at 1:49 pm to UFMatt
quote:
If that is the determining factor, we are soft. Too hot, too cold, rainy, sunny will be the next excuses.
So far I haven't heard Napier make excuses.
Unlike the guy before him...
Posted on 8/9/23 at 7:32 pm to Partha
I think the Gators pull it off and we get a false sense of how good the team is again.
Just glad we have Mcneese as a tune up game instead of jumping right into SEC play like last season.
Just glad we have Mcneese as a tune up game instead of jumping right into SEC play like last season.
Posted on 8/9/23 at 9:20 pm to gatorsimz
I agree with this. Adrenaline is why we won last year. (Napiers first game, Solid PAC 12 team in swamp, first football game of season.) After that, the next 2 games showed us who we really were or would be.
I think we beat Utah again (off adrenaline), but will need Mcneese game to tune up before playing Tennessee.
Same way Charlotte game will come in handy before going up to Kentucky.
I think we beat Utah again (off adrenaline), but will need Mcneese game to tune up before playing Tennessee.
Same way Charlotte game will come in handy before going up to Kentucky.
Posted on 8/9/23 at 11:45 pm to gatorsimz
quote:
I think the Gators pull it off and we get a false sense of how good the team is again.
Except I think this team is MUCH better overall than last year.
If they beat Utah, it won't be a fluke.
Posted on 8/10/23 at 8:38 am to boXerrumble
We should be better across the board. Utah may be without or playing with a QB recovering from a serious injury. Add, that we just have better players and the Gators should win.
Posted on 8/11/23 at 1:33 pm to UFMatt
quote:
Altitude will be a minor issue,
I’ll have to disagree with you in this. No matter what condition you are in , going from sea level to 4285 ft MSL has an impact. The Gators need to get up there on the Sunday before the game and get used to it.
Posted on 8/11/23 at 1:45 pm to GatorOnAnIsland
quote:
going from sea level to 4285 ft MSL has an impact.
Some, but these aren't 50 year old out of shape guys, these are well conditioned athletes at their prime. It will not be a factor in whether the Gators win or lose. i agree about going early.
Posted on 8/12/23 at 12:57 am to UFMatt
if it wasn't obvious...
Posted on 8/12/23 at 9:59 am to finchmeister08
I do not get the we are better across the board statement.
We are not as athletic at QB ( honestly not sure why everyone thinks Mertz is Going to come in and throw Dimes all over the field it's not going to happen) apparently no one watched any of his games at Wisky.
Second our O-line will not be as good either. Mertz had a better O-line at wisky all 3 years he was there then he will have at Florida and struggled.
He will have a much more talented and athletic Receiving core by far.
Defensively I think the front seven will be better as a whole but how much better not sure. the Defensive back play is something I want to see significant improvement in if there is not much improvement from that group it will be a problem.
We are not as athletic at QB ( honestly not sure why everyone thinks Mertz is Going to come in and throw Dimes all over the field it's not going to happen) apparently no one watched any of his games at Wisky.
Second our O-line will not be as good either. Mertz had a better O-line at wisky all 3 years he was there then he will have at Florida and struggled.
He will have a much more talented and athletic Receiving core by far.
Defensively I think the front seven will be better as a whole but how much better not sure. the Defensive back play is something I want to see significant improvement in if there is not much improvement from that group it will be a problem.
Posted on 8/12/23 at 10:34 am to AlbinoGator
Utah down to QB3
Backup starter injured in practice
Backup starter injured in practice
Posted on 8/12/23 at 10:45 am to UFMatt
quote:
It will not be a factor in whether the Gators win or lose.
I don't think altitude alone will be the main factor.
But if the teams prove to be evenly matched and the game is close, it could give Utah an edge.
I do agree Matt, that if we lose, we can't blame altitude alone.
Posted on 8/13/23 at 9:33 am to Partha
I have no doubt in my mind that Rising starts against Florida. I would think they in no way would play him unless he is 100% ready to go. I hope this team is preparing as if it will be against Rising
Posted on 8/13/23 at 12:02 pm to AlbinoGator
quote:
I do not get the we are better across the board statement.
Other than QB, we are better at almost every position up and down the roster.
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