Florida vs. Utah Prediction
Week 1 officially kicks off on Thursday night and the marquee matchup in college football takes place in Salt Lake City, UT where No. 14 Utah will host Florida at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Will the Gators cover as 5.5-point underdogs?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
147 Florida Gators (+5.5) at 148 Utah Utes (-5.5); o/u 46
8:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 31, 2023
Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
Florida vs. Utah Public Betting Information
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 51% of bets are on Florida. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Florida Gators Game Notes
Kahleil Jackson is set to start in Thursday’s game against Utah, Graham Hall of 247sports reports. Jackson is listed alongside Ricky Pearsall and Caleb Douglas as the starting wide receivers for the Gators’ season opener. Last season, Jackson appeared in two games, catching two passes for 43 yards. With consistent playing time, Jackson should see a major increase in his production in his third season.
Utah Utes Game Notes
Cameron Rising (knee) isn’t expected to play in Utah’s opener against Florida, Pete Thamel of ESPN.com reports Wednesday. Rising has been battling a knee injury throughout the Utes’ fall camp, and has been holding out hope that he can play in the rematch against Florida. However, it’s looking like the star quarterback won’t be able to take the field Thursday night. This will likely leave junior Bryson Barnes as the starter against the Gators. Barnes appeared in six games last season, completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 430 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Florida vs. Utah Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Florida’s last 22 games on the road
Florida is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Utah is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
Utah is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Florida vs. Utah Betting Prediction
I realize not much is expected of Florida this season, but give me the points tonight in Salt Lake City. Is the altitude concerning? Yeah, but not as concerning as Utah not having a capable quarterback. Rising is unlikely to play and top backup Brandon Rose was hurt in preseason practice so it looks like Bryson Barnes will be under center tonight for Utah. While Barnes started six games last year, I still expect the Utes to lean heavily on their ground game tonight versus Florida. The Gators might struggle offensively, but they have the big boys upfront to hold up against the run.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 PREDICTION: FLORIDA GATORS +5.5