By Ben Troupe
SouthernPigskin.com

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Former Florida All-American Ben Troupe shares his thoughts on Florida’s massive win over Utah

First-year head coach Billy Napier got started with a bang in the Swamp on Saturday night under the Gainesville moon and Florida humidity. The Utah Utes came in with all the momentum of being ranked 7th in the country and coming off a Pac-12 Championship. They were talked about by some as a College Football Playoff sleeper team. Problem is, somebody forgot to tell the Gators, led by sophomore phenom Anthony Richardson.

The gameplans for both squads were very similar, with both teams looking to establish the run and an offensive identity of smashmouth football. Both quarterbacks were looking to use their legs when plays broke down. This is where Florida had the clear advantage, with Richardson rushing for over 100 yards with three touchdowns and a “SportsCenter Top 10” 2-point conversixc3xb3n completion. Richardson did not disappoint, putting on a show of unique gifts, talents and plays that you had to see and still left you in disbelief.

The offenses put up big numbers and seemingly big plays on every drive, but the game came down to four plays. Florida converted on two 4th-down conversions that showed why Napier believes in his players and was going for the win. The defense, for the Gators, held its own against a Utah offense led by star quarterback Cam Rising, whose star is rising literally, and freakishly athletic tight end Grant Kuithe. While both were extremely hard to contain, the defense made the two most crucial plays of the night: a goalline stand in the north endzone that stopped the momentum and then Amari Burney with the play of the night, a diving interception as Rising attempted a throw to Kiuthe and called “game”.

This contest had everything you wanted for a home opener: there was a big-time opponent, a big-time atmosphere, so many former and future gators on site to take part. The fans were electric, over 90,000 strong to be exact. The Swamp was alive. The season is here. Napier ain’t scared to make money. The longest win streak in college football for opening games still belongs to Florida. This season is going to be fun to watch. On to the next. Orange and Blue Skies for life.