Andy Staples, JD PicKell choose Florida, agree that Gators can 'steal' Week 1 win over Utah

Florida and Utah will clash in Salt Lake City later this week for a special Thursday night edition of college football’s Week 1 showcase.

The Gators barely escaped with a victory in Gainesville on year ago, and On3’s Andy Staples — who admitted he can be hard on Florida at times — is predicting the Gators to steal another one to begin the season.

“I’m going to pick them, not just to cover but to win outright in this game. One, I’m using common sense on the Cam Rising thing. … I’m guessing we see Bryson Barnes. That doesn’t mean Utah is going to lose the game, but if you’re going to give me almost a touchdown (spread), I’m probably going to take those,” Staples, a UF alum, told JD PicKell on his podcast.

PicKell didn’t stray far from Staples’ sentiment. With Utah likely moving forward with no Cam Rising in the mix as he recovers from injury, the Utes are as limited as ever offensively without their longtime starter.

He doesn’t need newly named starting quarterback Graham Mertz to be a superstar, but expects big things out of another one of the Gators’ skill positions in 2023.

“I don’t think a lot of people are picking Florida, but I’m going the exact same way,” PicKell said. “I think the run game of Florida is the difference maker. I don’t know why Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson aren’t getting talked about more nationally — they each averaged more than five yards per carry last year. … I really like what they have in the run game and I think they’re going to be able to win that game in Salt Lake.”

Staples’ main concern the rushing attack isn’t centered around Etienne and Johnson, as the duo combined for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022 and now expectations are that much higher for the duo this fall. Instead, the offensive line will be the difference maker for the Gators’ rushing attack in 2023.

With Vegas showing love toward the two-time defending Pac-12 Champions at home, it’s no surprise most of the money is going to the Utes. Florida’s over/under win total this offseason came in at 5.5 — and a change of guard under center — explains the odds in Vegas heading into the season.

Fret not, Gator nation, as the voices of On3 have your back.

“Maybe we’re both just completely nuts,” Staples told PicKell. “It feels like Florida can steal this one.”