Three issues we discovered throughout the Gators’ 29-26 last-minute win towards No. 7 Utah.
1. Enjoy Anthony Richardson whereas he’s right here.
Richardson wanted one sport to successfully verify 2022 might be his closing season at Florida. The redshirt sophomore’s bodily abilities and potential are subsequent degree.
“He’s going to get his,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham mentioned, referring to Richardson’s future NFL riches. “He’s 6-4, 230 and runs like a 4.3. He’s a terrific player.”
Richardson was a difference-maker, show-stopper and crowd pleaser Saturday night time within the sold-out Swamp.
The 20-year-old’s athleticism, arm power, playmaking and competitiveness had been at occasions one thing to behold.
Fans higher soak all of it in.
NFL scouts frequented Florida practices in August and attended the Utah sport to look at Richardson, who’s seen by some as a top-10 decide. Saturday night time strengthened Richardson’s case.
The play of a highlight-filled night time was a 2-point conversion that includes a pump-fake of former Florida linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, then a subsequent spin transfer and dash previous one other defender earlier than Richardson fired a strike to Ja’Quavion Fraziers in nook of the top zone.
“Just trying to make something happen and I guess it worked,” Richardson mentioned.
Richardson’s nonchalance doesn’t erase self-doubt and self-awareness.
“The first few drives I messed up on a couple things, forgot some motions. I was a little jittery,” he mentioned. “It was undoubtedly enjoyable although. The first begin right here in The Swamp. Second profession begin.
“I was definitely in my head a little bit.”
Richardson completed with 168 yards passing, 106 speeding and three scores, but stays a piece in progress.
He might use some contact on his shorter throws and higher general accuracy. Durability is a priority.
When on the sector, although, Richardson makes it look simple whereas making it simpler on everybody round him.
“My wife could call plays with that guy at quarterback,” Napier mentioned.
2. Model of effectivity.
A holding penalty to kick off the Napier Era was an inauspicious begin for a coach who loathes yellow flags. Another holding name in a while a kickoff return paved the best way for a Utah subject purpose.
Generally, although, Napier’s Gators ran a good, clean operation capable of capitalize on alternatives.
Florida was 3-of-3 within the pink zone, 7 of 12 on third down and a couple of of two on fourth down, every conversion establishing a landing. Utah scored on 4 of 6 red-zone journeys, however two of these had been subject objectives.
The Gators made a goal-line stand on the opening drive of the third quarter after Utah drove 71 yards to the Florida 1. The sport ended with QB Cam Rising’s end-zone interception from the Florida 6 with 18 seconds to go.
“We scored touchdowns in the red zone, they didn’t,” Napier mentioned. “That’s the difference in the game.”
The Gators’ effectivity helped them erase three leads by Utah with touchdowns.
3. Swamp music.
Florida’s home-field benefit has been thought of among the many greatest in faculty for many years, courting to the times of Steve Spurrier, who was 68-5 at dwelling.
Lately, the Swamp has too usually lived off its popularity. Sellouts have been rare, crowd power inconsistent and the intimidation issue at occasions a non-factor.
Saturday night time was the newest reminder of the ability and affect a full-throated Florida Field can exert on an opponent.
Gainesville’s warmth and humidity had been going to check a workforce the altitude of the Wasatch Range. Utha’s appRising and All-Pac-12 cornerback JaTravis Broughton every vomited.
A sellout crowd of 90,779, the most-ever for a house opener, turned up the amount with the sport hanging within the stability.
After a penalty free first half, the Utes dedicated two false begins within the second half. Neither proved expensive. But with the sport on the road and Utah within the cacophonous north finish zone, Rising threw the game-ending decide — the primary key miscue on an different spectacular night time that includes 307 yards of whole offense.
With an opportunity to construct on Saturday night time’s upset win, count on Florida followers to be entrance and heart once more when No. 20 Kentucky visits Saturday night time.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Edgar Thompson at [email protected] or observe him on Twitter at @osgators.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com