Utah football team stranded in Florida airport after humbling loss to Gators

The Utah Utes football team’s flight was delayed for several hours in Florida following their 29-26 loss to the Gators Saturday night, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The flight home for the Utes was scheduled to depart from Gainesville Regional Airport shortly after midnight, but mechanical issues regarding the plane forced the pilot to delay the flight, according to Utes communications director Paul Kirk early Sunday.

Rescheduled for 4:10 a.m. ET, according to the report, the team sat on the plane tarmac for four hours waiting for the plane to be ready to fly, though photos posted after 5 a.m. show players laying out on the floor of the airport and on benches as they continued to wait.

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Reports from KSL’s Josh Furlong, say that some members of the Utes coaching staff were on his flight home from Jacksonville. Utah athletic director Mark Harlan revealed that Florida’s athletic department are doing all they can to help the Utes return home safely.

“Been a long night and day for the team but we are so greatful to [the Florida Gators] and AD [Scott Stricklin] & his administrative team for providing critical assistance as we have managed this, including providing a hotel partner, busses & meals. We expect to charter home later today,” he wrote.

Florida AD Scott Stricklin presents emotional Billy Napier with game ball after upset win

The Billy Napier era is off and running in Gainesville following Florida‘s 29-26 upset victory over the No. 7 Utah Utes in the Swamp Saturday night. Amid the locker room celebration, Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin awarded Napier the game ball for his first win as Florida headman.

“We only get to do this one time – game ball, which [ball] do you want? The last touchdown or the first touchdown?” Stricklin asked Napier after the game. 

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“Both of them,” a Florida player chimed in amid collective Gators laughter. Napier would go on to take both game balls from Stricklin.

Florid took down the Utes thanks to a go-ahead touchdown in the final two minutes by star quarterback Anthony Richardson, which was followed by linebacker Amari Burney making an incredible leaping interception to seal the upset victory for the Gators with 17 seconds left. In turn, giving Napier the first win of his Florida career.

“Billy, thanks for coming in and leading this program, leading these young mean and [it’s] the first of many,” Stricklin said.