2023 College Football Opener: Utah Utes Stun Florida Gators, Nebraska Struggles Continue

2023 College Football Opener: In the 2023 college football season opener, No. 14 Utah Utes shocked by defeating Florida Gators 24-11. The best player was backup QB Bryson Barnes. He threw for 159 yards and two scores, making him the game’s top player. The Utes did an amazing thing without their senior QB Cam Rising, who is still healing from a knee injury from last year’s Rose Bowl loss to Penn State. Utah’s success shows their depth and experience, leading to back-to-back Pac-12 titles. Their defense was great, as the Gators only ran for 13 yards on 21 tries. Utah’s strategies worked, and they were in charge of the game. They scored first with a 70-yard touchdown pass and then again with a 27-yard touchdown run.

Despite Mertz’s 333-yard rushing and a score, the Gators couldn’t recover. Mertz’s play worries about Florida’s chances of recovery after two losing seasons. The offensive line must improve for Florida to win at least eight regular-season games. Matt Rhule’s team, Nebraska, suffered a tough 13-10 loss to Minnesota in their first game. Nebraska’s issues, such as turnovers in the fourth quarter, highlight Scott Frost‘s struggles. Jeff Sims made his debut for Nebraska after leaving Georgia Tech. Unfortunately, he kept making throwing mistakes, disappointing Cornhusker fans.

In the next game, Utah will play Baylor away. They remain one of the few Power Five teams to play multiple Power Five opponents in non-conference games. Florida’s chances seem bleak unless they make significant changes, particularly on the offensive line. N.C. State had a strong start, beating Connecticut by 10 points despite being down 7-0. This suggests the team’s potential in the ACC. Brennan Armstrong, the new QB, and Robert Anae, in charge of the offense, are doing well.

2023 College Football Opener

 The teams learned a lot about themselves tonight. Despite Utah’s quarterback Cam Rising being out, their win proves they are a team to watch this season. With Rising returning soon, Utah’s depth chart is improving. Florida needs a quick turnaround to prove coach Billy Napier’s success at Louisiana-Lafayette. Regarding Nebraska, the loss to Minnesota highlights persistent issues from the previous coach’s era. If they don’t fix their problems, especially turnovers, they’re in for a tough season.

Ultimately, the 2023 college football season’s first Thursday night foreshadowed an exhilarating and unpredictable year in the sport. Fans and experts will closely watch how these stories progress, as they have shown highs and lows.

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Our Reader’s Queries

What is the first college football game of 2023?

Coastal Carolina will face off against UCLA in Pasadena, Calif.

What day is opening day for college football?

The 2022-23 college football season kicks off with Week Zero on Saturday, Aug. 27. After that, most teams will start their season openers the next week. Georgia clinched the national championship last January with a win over Alabama.

Who is playing in the college football national championship 2023?

2023-24 College Football Playoff Schedule:

2022:
No. 3 Georgia 33, No. 1 Alabama 18
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

2023:
No. 1 Georgia 65, No. 3 TCU 7
Location: Inglewood, California

2024:
No. 1 Michigan 34, No. 2 Washington 13
Location: Houston, Texas

Who plays football on New Year’s 2023?

On New Year’s Day, there won’t be any NFL games as Week 17 comes to a close. Instead, 28 teams will be playing on New Year’s Eve during the second to last weekend of the 2023-24 NFL regular season.