South Bound & Down
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Florida beats Utah in a statement win behind Anthony Richardson

By Jonathan Lurensky

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators runs for yardage during the third quarter of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators runs for yardage during the third quarter of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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The Florida Gators beat 7th ranked Utah, 29-26. They won the game behind Anthony Richardson. Richardson had an amazing game throwing the ball and running the ball. Richardson threw for 168 yards on 17 competitions. Also, Richardson ran for 106 yards on 11 carries. Finally, the sophomore had three rushing touchdowns.

Florida defeats Utah 29-26 behind big game from Anthony Richardson

It was a good start to Richardson’s Heisman campaign. This was quite the statement win for Florida and Billy Napier. Early on, it seemed like Utah would run over Florida. On Florida’s first drive of the game, Montrell Johnson fumbled. On the ensuing drive, Utah scored a touchdown. On Florida’s next drive, they were forced to punt after a three and out.

After Florida’s defense got a stop on the next possession, we definitely got the full Anthony Richardson experience as he led the Gators down the field to tie the game with a touchdown. Florida would score another touchdown before the half and would lead Utah by 1 after the Utes had two field goals.

After exchanging touchdowns in the third quarter, Utah went up by a touchdown after a Cam Rising-led drive went for 89 yards on 9 plays. In the old days of Dan Mullen, that might have been the game. Thankfully for the Gators, Billy Napier is in charge now. Anthony Richardson is the unquestioned QB1 on the roster, unlike last year.

Richardson would lead the Gators down the field and score a touchdown after Richardson ran it in from the 1-yard line. On that game-winning drive, Richardson had a crucial 4-yard QB rush that helped extend the drive. Richardson had multiple key throws to help get the Gators into the Endzone.

While the Gators did score, Utah still had time to tie the ballgame or win it. Cam Rising led the Utes down the field and got them into the red zone even though they only had 1:25 to work with. It seemed like Rising was gonna score a touchdown and win the game for the Utes. At least, it seemed like Utah was gonna tie the ball game. On second and goal, Amari Burney intercepted the ball to win it.

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Florida would go on to win the game. This was a statement game for Billy Napier and the Florida Gators. The Gators took down one of the better teams in the country. For a team that needed to beat FSU in the last game of the season to be bowl-eligible, this is a win the Gators needed.

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