Following a lackluster 6-7 College Football Betting season that included a 30-3 blowout loss to Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl, Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier is eager to bounce back in a big way in 2023. Historically speaking, Florida Gators football has been one of the more successful college football programs over the last several decades. Since 1991, Florida has captured eight conference titles. Including three national championships in 1996, 2006, and 2008. However, they are coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since the 1978-79 seasons.
Florida Gators vs. Utah Utes NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 31, 2023, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rice Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | +6½ -105 | 45½ -110 | +230 |  |
| Utah | -6½ -115 | 45½ -110 | -280 | |
| ||||
Florida Gators at Utah Utes SBG Odds Overview
Certainly, the Gators faithful are beginning to get restless, and for good reason. Gamblers have lost offshore betting faith that only wins can restore. On the other hand, Utah has the credibility of two consecutive Rose Bowl seasons.
Florida Gators Team Overview
Now that quarterback Anthony Richardson is off to the NFL, a Florida team in rebuild mode could be lucky to get to a bowl in 2023. Second year coach Billy Napier didn’t inherit a program that could be fixed overnight. So, this fall could be another struggle before a step forward in ’24.
It is true that Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz had an uneven career at Wisconsin. But he transferred to Gainesville for a fresh start and a chance to replace Richardson. The strength of the ’23 offense resides in the backfield. Namely, Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson are returning. But the Gators need to identify a couple of playmakers to take some of the pressure off Ricky Pearsall at receiver.
Meanwhile, new coordinator Austin Armstrong is tasked with improving a defense that ranked near the bottom of the SEC in yards per play allowed and points allowed. Also, Florida struggled to stop the run. This group could be a work in progress throughout the upcoming season.
The Gators own the 14th-ranked recruiting class in the nation. Also, Florida boasted the 18th-best class in Billy Napier’s initial recruiting cycle. Thus, this could be the season where Napier’s troops all come together.
Utah Utes Team Overview
Quarterback Cameron Rising’s recovery from a torn ACL suffered in the Rose Bowl looms large for Utah in 2023. As mentioned earlier, the Utes have won back-to-back Pac-12 titles. Subsequently, they could make it three in a row if Rising returns to form.
The ground game should be strong with three returning starters in the trenches. At the same time, rising star Ja’Quinden Jackson aims to pick up where he left off in 2022 as the No. 1 running back. The return of tight end Brant Kuithe after missing nearly all of ’22 is a huge boost to the passing attack.
In turn, gamblers expect the defense to rank near the top of the Pac-12. However, replacing cornerback Clark Phillips won’t be easy. Also, the 2022 schedule features a couple of obstacles. Starting with non-conference games versus Florida and Baylor. In addition to road games at Oregon State, USC, and Washington in league play.
Florida Gators at Utah Utes SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Florida has enough raw material to stay within the College Football Betting line.
Florida Gators at Utah Utes SBG Best Bet: Florida Gators.