Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Florida Football: Ranking 2022 opponents by toughness

By Connor Muldowney

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators looks to pass against Fabien Lovett #0 of the Florida State Seminoles during the third quarter of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators looks to pass against Fabien Lovett #0 of the Florida State Seminoles during the third quarter of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Oct 16, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) reacts to scoring a touchdown against LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) reacts to scoring a touchdown against LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

LSU went just 6-7 last season, but the Tigers are No. 4 on this list because Brian Kelly is going to bring a fresh look to this program which was stale in the final two years of Ed Orgeron. The Tigers have more than enough talent to be a problem in the SEC, including adding Jayden Daniels at quarterback and Noah Cain at running back from the transfer portal.

This offense should improve from its ugly 91st overall ranking last year and the defense should get back to the basics after a disappointing season on that side of the ball as well.

If you would have told me a year ago that Utah would be a tougher matchup for Florida in 2022 than LSU, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Florida State, I would have had you committed. But here we are.

The Utes are fresh off a Rose Bowl appearance in which they nearly pulled off the upset against Ohio State, but a huge Buckeye comeback thwarted that effort.

Cameron Rising returns at quarterback and the Utes will continue to just play extremely tough football under Kyle Whittingham. The Utes are probably the best team from the Pac-12 and this is a heck of a way to kick off the 2022 season.

Home/Florida Gators