Saturday Blitz
Fansided

25 biggest college football storylines for the 2022 season

By Michael Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship Trophy is seen on the field prior to the 2022 CFP National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship Trophy is seen on the field prior to the 2022 CFP National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 25
Next
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Cameron Rising #7 of the Utah Utes throws a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Cameron Rising #7 of the Utah Utes throws a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3. Utah needing a statement vs. Florida

The most underrated game of the year might just be in week one as the defending Pac-12 champions Utah Utes travel down to the Swamp to face Billy Napier’s new-look Florida Gators. Utah, coming off their first Pac-12 title and a narrow loss in an absolute bonkers Rose Bowl, has its sights set a little higher this season. That all could be for naught in a brutal season opener on the road in SEC country.

If the Utes can survive this Week 1 road test, they not only provide the Pac-12 with a signature conference win but also put them in the clear driver’s seat to make the College Football Playoff.

Utah will still have to contend with the USC Trojans and a tough road game at Oregon in November, but a conference title and one loss or fewer should have them squarely in the conversation for those final four spots. Behind the solid play of Cam Rising and 1,000-yard rusher Tavion Thomas, plus the always steady Kyle Whittingham defense, the Utes should be ready for this big-time Week 1 matchup.

Billy Napier brings hope back to a once proud Florida Gators football program. The former protégé at both Clemson and Alabama, Napier went 40-12 as the head coach at Louisiana, including two conference titles in four years. A brilliant offensive mind being paired with the ultra raw, but ultra-talented Anthony Richardson has some fans thinking this Gators team can mess around and get 8-9 wins in year one of the Napier era.

Having a talent like Richardson can make anything possible. He alone can derail Utah’s dream season before it can even get started.

Home/College Football News