Richardson, Burney help Florida upset No. 7 Utah in Swamp

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Anthony Richardson ran for 3 scores in his second profession begin, together with a 2-yard scamper with 1:25 remaining, and Florida upset seventh-ranked Utah 29-26 on Saturday night time to get the Billy Napier period off to a rousing begin.

Richardson was the very best participant on the sector many of the night time. He actually confirmed up down the stretch, though linebacker Amari Burney was the man who sealed the victory for the Gators.

Burney intercepted Cam Rising’s second-down move into the tip zone with 17 seconds remaining. That set off a wild celebration that certainly will final lengthy into the night time.

Richardson took a knee from there, and the Gators stormed the sector to revel of their thirty third consecutive victory in dwelling season openers. That’s the longest present streak within the nation.

Richardson ran 11 instances for 106 yards and was by no means stopped for a loss. He accomplished 17 of 24 passes for 168 yards and performed turnover-free soccer.

His finest play? He had an electrifying 2-point conversion early within the fourth quarter that put the Gators up 22-19. He juked former Florida teammate Mohamoud Diabate with a pump faux after which sprinted proper by fellow Utah linebacker Lander Barton earlier than throwing a strike to Ja’Quavion Fraziers at the back of the tip zone.

Utah answered and took the lead briefly, however Richardson did it once more. He moved the chains with a third-down throw and once more with a fourth-down run, each of which arrange his sport winner.

Rising moved the Utes in place to steal one on the highway for a staff that entered the season with its highest preseason rating at school historical past. However Rising’s final move was his most necessary — or expensive — of the night time.

Rising accomplished 22 of 32 passes for 216 yards, with a landing and the turnover. He additionally ran for 91 extra.

Tavion Thomas had 115 yards speeding and a rating for Utah, which caught a break when it rained about two hours earlier than kickoff and erased no matter benefit Florida had with sweltering summer season warmth and humidity.

THE TAKEAWAY

Utah: The defending Pac-12 champions confirmed resiliency on the highway, battling again to take the lead within the fourth quarter. Rising, Thomas and Micah Bernard have been nearly as good as marketed on the bottom, and Brant Kuithe (9 catches for 105 yards and a TD) confirmed why he’s thought-about the most effective tight ends within the nation. Regardless of the loss, the Utes have sufficient expertise and expertise to nonetheless be an element within the Faculty Soccer Playoff.

Florida: The Gators don’t seem like they’ll in rebuilding mode for lengthy. Napier’s recruiting has jumped within the final two months and a sport like this might do wonders to assist him shut the hole on Southeastern Convention heavyweights Alabama and Georgia.

MILLION DOLLAR HANDSHAKE

Napier confirmed a little bit of modern-day teaching nuance within the first half when he left his staff throughout a timeout to supply millionaire booster Hugh Hathcock a handshake and a partial hug. Hathcock is without doubt one of the program’s high donors.

Hathcock, who owns Velocity Automotive Options, gave the College Athletic Affiliation a $12.6 million reward in April. Among the cash will probably be used to renovate Florida’s getting old basketball follow facility and a few is certain to assist the soccer program. The Gators plan to call a set tower at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and its basketball complicated after Hathcock.

UP NEXT

Utah: hosts Southern Utah subsequent Saturday. The in-state groups performed as soon as beforehand, with the Utes profitable 24-0 in 2016.

Florida: continues its robust opening stretch when it hosts No. 20 Kentucky to being SEC play subsequent Saturday night time.

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