Florida was outclassed by Utah during its season opener on Thursday, as Billy Napier’s squad struggled on both sides of the ball.
In the 24–11 loss, the Gators offense was particularly putrid, failing to reach the end zone once throughout the first three quarters of play. Additionally, Florida was unable to convert on any of its first nine attempts on third down, ending the night 1-for-13 on third down.
As a team, Florida had just 13 rushing yards on 21 attempts. While Graham Mertz threw for 333 yards, he was sacked five times and threw a costly interception.
All eyes were on the Gators during the nationally televised game, and fans were not impressed with the performance they put out. College football fans on social media pulled no punches while ripping Florida for its disappointing showing in its season opener.
Florida’s worse on 3rd & 4th Down than I am at drawing circles. pic.twitter.com/eeucptM2Ky
— Aaron Taylor (@AaronTaylorCFB) September 1, 2023
With Florida's loss at Utah, Gators still have not won a true road non-conference game outside the state of Florida in 34 years since beating Memphis on Sept. 23, 1989. Of course, UF has only played two true road non-SEC games outside of Florida in last 34 years since the UM win
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 1, 2023
Florida DE posted this before the game.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 1, 2023
Gator defense promptly got cooked for a 70-yard TD on the opening play 😂 pic.twitter.com/lDcliKUoM2
Keep Florida fans in your thoughts and prayers; they have 11 more games with this team.
— Tarik D. LaCour (@realscientistic) September 1, 2023
Netflix really released Swamp Kings just to give the Florida Gator fans something to help them cope with how terrible the current state of their football program is.
— Thumser (@JeffreyThumser) September 1, 2023
Incredibly thoughtful on Netflix part. Very classy move.
Only one man can save Florida football pic.twitter.com/WHTbMtwnmQ
— Alex Ansted (@AlexAnstedCFB) September 1, 2023
maybe florida's trying to tank for caleb williams
— Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub) September 1, 2023
I thought Anthony Richardson should've been the #1 pick, but after looking at Florida without him, it's clear I underrated him
— Jason Kirk (jasonkirk.fyi on bluesky) (@thejasonkirk) September 1, 2023
Florida has been outscored 54-6 in its last 7 quarters of football.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 1, 2023
0-9 on 3rd down
— CFB Home (@CFBHome) September 1, 2023
0-2 on 4th down
0.7 yards per rush....
Ummm Florida this game counts
