Florida Gators defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong discusses strategies with his team during practice ahead of their upcoming game against the Utah Utes on August 31, 2023. The No. 14 ranked Utes are favored by 7 points in their NCAA football matchup. Florida has a perfect 2-0 record against Utah, including a surprising win as underdogs last season. Our Florida vs Utah predictions, odds, and picks for this exciting Week 1 clash can be found below.
Florida vs Utah (#14) Odds
Moneyline
Florida +215
Utah (#14) -260
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Point Spread
Florida 6.5 (-110)
Utah (#14) -6.5 (-110)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total
Over 45.0 (-115)
Under 45.0 (-105)
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
The Utah Utes were unable to defeat the Florida Gators last year as road favorites. Florida emerged victorious with a 29-26 scoreline. This time around, oddsmakers have placed the Utes as 7-point home favorites for their rematch against the Gators, which serves as the season opener for both teams. The Utes were impressive as home favorites last season, going 5-1 against the spread. Let’s delve into the Florida vs Utah odds and give our prediction for this highly anticipated college football showdown.
In terms of odds, the Utes are favored with a -270 moneyline, implying a 72.97% chance of winning. The total points for the game is set at 46.5. Keep in mind that odds can change leading up to the game, so stay updated. Consider using a DraftKings promo code to enhance your betting experience for the Gators vs Utes and other games in Week 1 of college football.
Utah has never defeated Florida, although they did manage to cover the spread when they faced off as 31-point underdogs back in 1977. This will be their first meeting where Utah plays as the home team. The Utes have been dominant at home, winning all 14 of their previous home games. The game will kick off at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday, August 31, at 8:00pm ET and will be broadcasted on ESPN.
Betting splits for the game reveal an uncertain sentiment among the public. The majority of bets favor Utah to cover the spread, but the handle is slightly in favor of Florida. When it comes to the moneyline, Florida is the pick for 54% of the handle, whereas Utah is receiving 67% of the bets. This game has divided total bettors as well, with 67% of the handle on the under and 75% of the bets on the over. Utah’s recent games have tended to score more points, whereas Florida’s games have seen lower totals.
Looking at the National Championship odds, Utah is the 17th betting choice, sitting at +5000. Florida, on the other hand, is considered a long shot at +12500. Florida’s win total odds for the 2023 NCAA season are set at 5.5, with the over offering a +130 payout and the under being the favored line at -150.
One major factor to consider is the status of Utah’s quarterback, Cam Rising, who suffered an ACL injury last season. Although Rising is rehabbing, it remains uncertain whether he will play, and a game-time decision may be made by head coach Kyle Whittingham. The absence of Rising would be concerning for the Utes, as his performance last season was exceptional. In his absence, the team will have to rely on backup quarterbacks Brandon Rose, Bryson Barnes, and Nate Johnson.
With Rising, Utah had a strong passing offense, averaging 249.2 yards per game. Overall, the Utes boasted the 17th-ranked offense in terms of total yards per game (466.9). Their rushing offense was particularly impressive, ranking 11th in the nation (217.7 YPG), and they were also the 11th highest-scoring team (38.6 points per game). Defensively, the Utes were solid, ranking 27th in yards allowed per game (334.1) and also holding opponents to 21.4 points per game, which placed them 27th in scoring defense. Utah’s defense was especially effective at stopping the run, allowing just 111.4 yards per game. Additionally, they were the 14th-best team in terms of third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert only 31.5% of third downs.
Florida’s defense is well-prepared to face any quarterback the Utes put on the field. The Gators are also going through a transition at QB, with Graham Mertz taking over for Anthony Richardson, who was selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Florida’s defense thrived in 2022, ranking 18th in terms of turnover ratio. However, their running game struggled, finishing 100th in the nation with an average of 175.2 rushing yards per game. The Gators have focused on increasing their team speed during the offseason, both through internal development and recruiting.
Considering the uncertainties surrounding Utah’s quarterback situation, the Gators are a safe bet with the points. Our Florida vs Utah pick is Florida +7 (-110). Keep an eye on the odds leading up to the game, and be sure to stay updated with relevant news and analysis.
The Pick: Florida Gators +6.5
Don’t forget to check out Handicappers Edge for expert NFL picks recommended by renowned cappers.
Florida vs Utah (#14) Bets
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Moneyline
Florida – 1H +170
Utah (#14) – 1H -230
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Point Spread
Florida – 1H 3.5 (-110)
Utah (#14) – 1H -3.5 (-110)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total
Over – 1H 23.0 (EVEN)
Under – 1H 23.0 (-120)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Moneyline
Florida – 1Q +140
Utah (#14) – 1Q -185
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Point Spread
Florida – 1Q 0.5 (-110)
Utah (#14) – 1Q -0.5 (-120)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total
Over – 1Q 10.0 (EVEN)
Under – 1Q 10.0 (-130)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Spread
Florida 4.5 (+115)
Utah (#14) -4.5 (-150)
Florida 5.0 (+110)
Utah (#14) -5.0 (-145)
Florida 5.5 (+105)
Utah (#14) -5.5 (-135)
Florida 6.0 (-105)
Utah (#14) -6.0 (-125)
Florida 7.0 (-130)
Utah (#14) -7.0 (EVEN)
Florida 7.5 (-150)
Utah (#14) -7.5 (+115)
Florida 8.0 (-150)
Utah (#14) -8.0 (+115)
Florida 8.5 (-160)
Utah (#14) -8.5 (+120)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Spread
Florida – 1H 0.5 (+140)
Utah (#14) – 1H -0.5 (-185)
Florida – 1H 1.5 (+125)
Utah (#14) – 1H -1.5 (-165)
Florida – 1H 2.5 (+120)
Utah (#14) – 1H -2.5 (-160)
Florida – 1H 3.0 (+105)
Utah (#14) – 1H -3.0 (-135)
Florida – 1H 4.0 (-130)
Utah (#14) – 1H -4.0 (EVEN)
Florida – 1H 4.5 (-145)
Utah (#14) – 1H -4.5 (+110)
Florida – 1H 5.5 (-150)
Utah (#14) – 1H -5.5 (+115)
Florida – 1H 6.0 (-160)
Utah (#14) – 1H -6.0 (+120)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total Points
Over 43.0 (-150)
Under 43.0 (+115)
Over 43.5 (-145)
Under 43.5 (+110)
Over 44.0 (-135)
Under 44.0 (+105)
Over 44.5 (-125)
Under 44.5 (-105)
Over 45.5 (-110)
Under 45.5 (-120)
Over 46.0 (EVEN)
Under 46.0 (-130)
Over 46.5 (+105)
Under 46.5 (-135)
Over 47.0 (+115)
Under 47.0 (-150)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total Points – Florida
Over 19.5 (-120)
Under 19.5 (-110)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total Points – Utah (#14)
Over 28.5 (+140)
Under 28.5 (-185)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total Points – Florida
Over – 1H 9.5 (-105)
Under – 1H 9.5 (-125)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total Points – Utah (#14)
Over – 1H 14.5 (+140)
Under – 1H 14.5 (-185)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total Points – Florida
Over – 1Q 0.5 (-160)
Under – 1Q 0.5 (+120)
Florida @ Utah (#14)
Total Points – Utah (#14)
Over – 1Q 6.5 (-125)
Under – 1Q 6.5 (-105)
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
