Predict the Score: Florida at (14) Utah, Thursday August 31 at 8pm Eastern on ESPN

I think we will show a lot of progress, but playing on the road against a strong opponent will be tough.

UF 23
Utah 30

 

Which is more difficult for a well conditioned body to adjust to? The heat and humidity that they dealt with last year or the altitude which we will have to deal with?

 

Gators 24-21

 

Mighty Gators - 31
Sister Wives - 30 (I would say 30.999 if I could; I think this one will be close again)

 

31-20. Good guys. Hopeful that Mertz will show some game manager skills. And defense comes up with some timely turnovers.

 

27- 20 FL Gators

 

I think UF covers....but just too much unknown for me to pick a win outright.
I think it's really close but the Utes win by 3, something like 23-20.

 

Us : 31
Them :17

 

Based on empirical data on effective O2% at 4,500’ ASL vs. sea level, acclimation time required per 1,600’ elevation increases when below 8,000’, my own personal experience of strenuous activity at that altitude without acclimation time, and the OBC’s radio interview concerning a FL based team he took to SLC, I’m not concerned with fatigue based on the altitude. Honestly, anyone who thinks Napier didn’t research this and plan accordingly is just being naive.

Reports state that Rising and his favorite target are out for this game, though these could prove false, I’ll take the information at face value. Utah is otherwise returning a bunch of experience from last season, so at minimum I expect no drop off from last season in their overall performance, even with a backup quarterback.

UF is returning approximately 60% of the depth from the lines that controlled the game a year ago. We’re returning two outstanding backs who should be able to average at least 4ypc. So I think our run game will remain solid. Mertz and the new receivers are the x-factors on that side of the ball. We know Pearsall will be able to get open and we have reports that team speed, especially the young receivers is up. Overall from an offensive perspective, Utah has not seen this group with a pocket passer, so there will be new wrinkles against a savvy defense. If we could score 29 last year, then I expect slightly more production due our familiarity with the system vs. Utah’s gains on a defense that should have a similar look. I have UF scoring 31 here.

On the other side of the ball, we gave up 26 to a good Utah offense. However, if truly lacking the lynch pin that makes that offense really good, then they don’t scare me. We have a new DC this season. Rumors and tales discuss the D to be similar, but more aggressive. I believe we see a stouter run defense while the young backers continue to try to work out communication. This adjustment has me leery of early season success and therefore I think Utah also finds some consistency in the air. I believe Utah has the Xs and Os advantage while we have the overall talent advantage with our youthful D. I think this allows Utah to score 28 with their backup QB receiving support from a veteran cast.

Mind says 31-28 good guys.
Heart wants to see a leap forward in defense and a Mertz consistent with his recruiting ranking. Heart has UF taking the game 38-17.

GO GATORS!!!

 

My next-door neighbor last month ran a 50-mile race in the mountains in Colorado. He only had one day of acclamation and said he felt fine. Of course, he did take a medication that increases oxygen uptake by red blood cells. I wonder if the NCAA allows that?

 

Florida wins the game.

 

H0w many times have you beaten us in the last 20 years? I think your sister is calling you.

 

@ETGator-Please flush this idiot.

 

Does it benefit the athlete? Is it good for the kid?

Then, no.