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What they said: Florida bests Utah in Instant Classic

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•09/04/22•

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Photo courtesy of UAA Communications

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The official attendance at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was 90,799 — a UF season opener record. Like any good fishing story, where the fish caught grows in size and weight with each telling, you’ll be able to find more than 90,799 people that claim they were in the stadium for the Florida Gators‘ 29-26 upset of No. 7 Utah.

The first game of the Billy Napier era was an instant classic. Florida and Utah traded blows. The Utes struck first, capitalizing off a turnover, which foreshadowed how the game would end with a fifth-year senior, linebacker Amari Burney intercepted Cam Rising, sealing the upset win.

The game was one for the books. It was hard to articulate what transpired, so here is what the men involved had to say after the game.

Kyle Whittingham on the Gators

“The cupboard wasn’t bare here when Dan Mullen left. They have some great players, especially the quarterback. If they can keep him healthy, they are going to win a lot of games.”

Napier thanks the fans

“I just want to thank our fans for coming out. I think that was the tenth largest crowd in the history of the school. We said in the very beginning that it was going to take a team effort to get this done, to build, to create (a) moment, positive energy on the outside. They made a difference tonight. There’s no question they affected the game. The University of Florida is a special place and these people coming back because of the way it impacted them.”

The Swamp made its mark

Billy Napier relished his first home game.

“I told one of our guys during the game ‘Can you believe they pay us to do this?’ It’s a game of football, right. I think sometimes we get caught up with the event, but what’s rewarding is when you know what went into the event, the preparation for the event. When you go all the way back to January, just the unique thing about the game of football. I mean countless hours. On the books, off the books. Not just players, but staff members. Then we get to go out here in front of all the people and put the work on show. It’s rewarding to see players. When you know the individual players, and you’re observing them, the growth you’ve seen, and the work that you’ve seen from them. They’re having success and they’re in the fight. There’s a lot to this game that is rewarding. I think we are thankful for the work and trust in this group of players.”

Kyle Whittingham on his team’s performance

“A lot of shoulda, coulda, wouldas. Bottom line I couldn’t be prouder of Cam Rising and Tavion Thomas and the defenders that played their hearts out. Give credit to Florida, they are a great football team. They have some terrific athletes starting with their quarterback. But I am proud of our guys. We have to regroup and can’t feel sorry for ourselves.”

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