The Florida Gators travel to Morman Country to kick off the season against the 14th-ranked Utah Utes in a non-conference matchup. The Gators were a disappointing 6-7 last season while the Utes were 10-4. Florida won last season's opener 29-26 at home. The Florida Gators have a new quarterback this season in Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz. For the Badgers, he threw for 2,136 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. They return their receivers' room from last season, but the top two receivers are questionable. They also have to rebuild their offensive line. The Gator's defense will need to improve as they allowed 28.8 points and 415.8 total yards a game.

The biggest question for the Utah Utes is whether or not quarterback Cameron Rising will be able to go in this one. As of this morning, it was a game-time decision. Last season he threw for 3,034 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. If he can't go, the backup played well enough in the Rose Bowl last season when Rising got injured. They also have a very talented quarterback that will probably see some playing time. The defense last season allowed 20.4 points and 325.3 yards a game with just 107 yards coming on the ground.

I wasn't a Graham Mertz fan when he was in Wisconsin and my opinion of him hasn't changed. His completion percentage has declined in each season and I don't see that getting better in the SEC. Utah does not have many changes on the offensive side of the ball which should help if Rising can't go. Utah has won the PAC-12 two years in a row and is one of the favorites this season. Going from Anthony Richardson to Mertz is a huge step-down, in my opinion. I think Utah will be able to control the ball on the ground. I am going with the Utes at home in this one.

Play on Utah.