The 14th-ranked Utah Utes expect to have the edge on Thursday when they host the Florida Gators in their season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Utes went to The Swamp to kick off last season and came out with a 29-26 loss to the Gators. Now, they are looking to return the favor in Salt Lake City. Utah still went 10-4 in 2022, their second straight 10-win season, and finished 10th in the AP poll despite a loss to Penn State in the Rose Bowl. Star quarterback Cameron Rising tore his ACL in that game and is considered doubtful for this season opener. The Gators had a second straight losing season — for the first time since 1979 — after losing to Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl to finish 6-7. They will have a new quarterback in coach Billy Napier’s second season, with Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz taking over for Anthony Richardson, the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Thursday’s kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. The Utes are 5.5-point favorites in the latest Florida vs. Utah odds, according to SportsLine consensus, and the over/under for total points is set at 44.5. Before making any Utah vs. Florida picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Florida vs. Utah and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Utah vs. Florida:
- Florida vs. Utah spread: Utah -5.5
- Florida vs. Utah over/under: 44.5 points
- Florida vs. Utah money line: Gators +191, Utes -234
- FLA: The Gators are 2-12 in their last 14 road games against ranked opponents
- UTAH: Utah’s 5.5 per-carry rushing average since 2021 is the best in FBS
- Florida vs. Utah picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Utah can cover
Utah has one of the best home-field edges in the nation, and the Utes averaged 46.7 points per game at Rice-Eccles in 2022. They went 5-1 against the spread at home and 8-6 ATS overall. Their only loss over their past 24 home games was against USC in a game without fans in the stands. Utah has won 28 straight non-conference home games. Utah averaged 457 yards per game in 2022, while Florida averaged 403. The Gators scored 27.7 points and gave up 27.9 per game last season, while the Utes scored 36 and allowed 22.5.
The Utes defense has allowed an average of 20 points per game over the past five seasons, the best mark in the Pac-12. They also lead the conference with 163 sacks over that span, posting 38 in 2022, tied for eighth-most in FBS. With Rising likely out, Utah will go with Bryson Barnes, who has appeared in 13 games, or talented sophomore Nate Johnson. The Gators are 8-13 all-time in road openers and went 1-5 against ranked teams last season. See which team to pick here.
Why Florida can cover
Florida lost several top players to the draft, including Richardson, but recruiting has been strong and 13 players joined via the transfer portal. Four starters return on each side of the ball, and 24 Gators made their collegiate debuts last season and should be more poised in 2023. Mertz has a ton of experience, starting 32 of the Badgers’ past 33 games. Wisconsin went 19-13 in those games, but Mertz completed 60% of his passes and threw 38 TD passes while amassing more than 5,000 yards. He’ll have a more talented supporting cast, including a potent running game.
UF averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2022, ranking 14th in FBS. Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne should be one of the most dangerous running back duos in the nation. Johnson rushed for 841 yards and Etienne added 718 yards in 2022, and they combined for 16 touchdowns. Etienne had 64 yards on five carries in last season’s opener against Utah as the Gators rushed for 283 yards and averaged 7.2 yards per play. The Utes have lost their last three season openers against FBS opponents, and the Gators are 30-1 in season openers since 1990. See which team to pick here.
How to make Utah vs. Florida picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 48 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Florida vs. Utah, and which side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has notched a profit of almost $2,500 on its top-rated college football spread picks, and find out.
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