Florida is coming into Rice-Eccles Stadium carrying a win from last season, but without their 1st round QB, Anthony Richardson. On the surface, one would think that the Gators will see a huge step back offensively without him.

But not so fast. Let's look at Richardson's 2022 numbers

• Completion% 54
• Total Yards Passing: 2549
• Yards Per Attempt: 7.8
• TDs: 17
• Ints: 9
• QBR: 131

Running was a big part of Richardson's game, but passing is where you get efficiency. And Richardson wasn't an efficient passer. Anthony Richardson was drafted on his endless ceiling of potential, not on how good he was in college. What about Graham Mertz?

• Completion% 57
• Total Yards Passing: 2136
• Yards Per Attempt: 7.5
• TDs: 19
• Ints: 10
• QBR: 135

Pretty similar numbers. Richardson obviously brings a huge element in the run game. But Mertz was also in a limited offense that was talent depleted

What About Cam Rising?

The major talking point leading into this game, however, has to be whether or not Senior QB Cam Rising will play. He's coming off of an ACL injury in 2022 and his availability is pretty murky. Cam's been a good leader for this Utes squad, winning a ton of games. The concern, even if he does play, is that the best part of his game is probably his ability to make tough runs and keep the chains moving. As a pure passer (7.9 YPA), he's OK, but like Richardson, you have to consider his ability to run as it's so much of his game

If Cam can't go, the gameplan might be limited. We could see them play conservative football and try to out-physical the Gators. With Florida breaking in their own new QB, it could be a low scoring affair. That's probably why the over under is set at 45.5 and dropping