Utah football: 3 reasons the Utes will beat Florida in Week 1

Florida is coming to Salt Lake City on Thursday night for the biggest battle before Saturday and Utah football is out for revenge after losing to the Gators in Gainesville to begin the 2022 campaign.

Unfortunately for the Utes, Cameron Rising is questionable ahead of the game because of his knee injury that he’s been nursing and it looks like Bryson Barnes will be given the green light.

Does that mean Utah is in trouble?

I don’t think so. Actually, I think the Utes take care of business. And here’s why.

3. Bryson Barnes’ dual-threat ability

Bryson Barnes is likely to get the start on Thursday night with Cam Rising still nursing an injury. Barring a miracle, Barnes will get the start and that may not be the worst possible thing for Utah.

In fact, Barnes has the ability to run the ball which is going to be a problem for the Gators.

Sure, Rising, too, can run and was considered a dual-threat, but there’s not a ton of film on Barnes which should help the Utes here. Rising did have 465 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 6.0 yards per carry last year, but even if he did play, he’d be limited with his legs.

Barnes will not be limited on Thursday night which is a huge plus.

The backup quarterback played in a handful of games last season and finished with 430 passing yards and four touchdowns with two picks while also rushing for 116 yards on 5.8 per touch.

Florida’s defense is going to have a tough time containing him.