By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Billy Napier began his Florida Gators career with a huge win. The first-year head coach guided his new players to a win over No. 7 Utah Utes on Saturday.
The Gators won 29-26 over the Utes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Napier came to Florida from Louisiana Lafayette. He was hired in December to replace Dan Mullen.
As the Utes were driving late, they could have sent the game into overtime with a game-tying field goal. On second and 6 from the Gators 6-yard-line, Utes quarterback Cameron Rising dropped back to throw the football.
Rising was intercepted by Amari Burney. This sealed the Gators win.
Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson — who considered leaving the program in the offseason — went 17 of 24 for 168 yards. He also had 11 carries for 106 yards and three touchdowns.
Ricky Pearsall had four receptions for 67 yards.
Richardson had one long rushing touchdown for 45 yards. He also had two short rushing touchdowns for two yards and one yard.
Montrell Johnson Jr. also scored on a 14-yard rushing touchdown. Following this touchdown, Napier guided to go for a two-point conversion.
Richardson hit Ja’Quavion Fraziars to complete the two-point conversation.
Rising went 22 of 32 for 216 yards. He also threw one touchdown pass and one interception.
Tavion Thomas had 23 carries for 115 yards and one touchdown. Brant Kuithe has nine receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown.
Rising hit Kuithe for a seven-yard touchdown reception. Micah Bernard scored on a seven-yard rushing touchdown.
Thomas also scored on a four-yard rushing touchdown. Jordan Noyes made two field goals.
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