Florida football: 3 bold predictions for battle with No. 14 Utah

Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) and Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber (58) celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 12, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs South Carolina GamecocksSyndication Gainesville Sun /

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Nov 12, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Florida football rushes for over 200 yards

With a quarterback who doesn’t exactly shine in big games as well as three receivers and two tight ends listed as questionable for Thursday’s game, I expect the Gators to rely heavily on the run game.

Florida averaged just over 200 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 24th in the country. I expect that success to continue in this one.

Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne make up one of the best 1-2 punches in the backfield in college football and they’re going to start their 2023 seasons off on high notes. I expect both of them to approach 100 yards and I see the offense surpassing the 200-yard mark.

That may not seem very bold considering Florida averaged 200.2 yards per game on the ground last season but Utah had the 17th-ranked run defense, allowing just 111 yards on the ground per game, and the Utes return three starters on the defensive line and a linebacker.

Florida will make a statement on the ground against a stout run defense.

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