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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Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) passes during practice at Gary Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun] /

1. Graham Mertz throws two picks in critical situations to lead to loss

Graham Mertz is heading into the opener as Florida’s starter and while that may be a sign of relief for some fans because he brings with him plenty of experience, he’s not exactly stellar in big games against ranked opponents.

In fact, in 10 games against ranked opponents in his Wisconsin career, he threw 14 interceptions and had just 10 touchdowns and a 53.8% completion rate.

Not great.

I think we’re going to see that big-game inconsistency shine through in this one against a Utah team that will be hungry for respect after once again beginning a season overlooked. There are 3-4 teams in the Pac-12 that are getting more respect than the Utes to begin the season and you’ll see them make a statement on Thursday.

Mertz will be picked off two times in critical situations (one in the red zone early and the other late in the fourth quarter) to seal a win for Kyle Whittingham and Utah.

Tough start for the Wisconsin transfer.

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