WATCH: Florida Gators upset Utah behind two clutch fourth-quarter plays
The Florida Gators stunned the seventh-ranked Utah Utes on Saturday night 29-26, in one of the best games of the 2022 college football season thus far. The game delivered plenty of dramatics, including a heart-stopping finish that included two clutch plays by the Gators.
First, Florida’s electrifying dual-threat quarterback, Anthony Richardson, scored the game-winning touchdown from the two-yard line with 1:25 seconds remaining to put the Gators up 29-26. Richardson showed freon in his veins in delivering a masterful performance for the Gators when they absolutely needed it the most on Saturday night.
Check out the touchdown here.
Then, Utah quarterback Cameron Rising drove the Utes down the length of the field and had them in position for a field goal with 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Utah got the ball all the way down to the six-yard line, when Rising dropped back for a pass on 2nd and goal. He tried to fire a pass to his senior tight end, Dalton Kincaid. The problem was Kincaid was double-covered and Florida linebacker Amari Burney made an incredible leaping interception to seal the upset victory for the Gators with 17 seconds left.
Check out the interception by Burney below.
Simply put, it was one of the best games of the college football season thus far and it was a remarkable way to kick off the Billy Napier era in Gainesville.
The importance of the win for Florida can’t be overstated
Anthony Richardson delivered a dynamic performance that showcased exactly why he’s so highly coveted by NFL scouts at the next level. He completed 17 of his 24 passing attempts for 168 yards through the air, while tormenting the Utah defense on the ground with his incredible ability to improvise with his legs. He rushed for 104 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 carries, including a breathtaking 45-yard touchdown run he had late in the second quarter.
It’s a huge win for Florida and it likely catapults Richardson into consideration for the Heisman Trophy. It’s early, but after a performance like Saturday night, it’s clear that every time he steps on the football field this season, he figures to be a force to be reckoned with. It’s going to be exciting to see just how far he can carry the Gators this season.