Friday, 4 a.m.
Before the Florida Gators can beat anyone else, they first must stop beating the Florida Gators.
The stumbling, bumbling Gators contributed to their own demise Thursday night in a 24-11 loss to 14th-ranked Utah. The Gators, entering their second season under coach Billy Napier, couldn’t get out of their own way.
Content beyond this point is for members only.
Already a member? To view the rest of this column, sign in using the handy "Sign In" button located in the upper right corner of the GarySheltonSports.com blog (it's at the far right of the navigation bar under Gary's photo). Not a member? It's easy to subscribe so you can view the rest of this column and all other premium content on GarySheltonSports.com.
Among other things, the Gators:
— Gave up a 70-yard touchdown pass on Utah’s first play of the game.
— Were one-for-13 on third down.
— Had a false start penalty on fourth-and-one at the Utah 9.
— Missed a 42-yard field goal that would have closed the deficit to one point.
— Had a 21-yard punt.
— Had an illegal procedure on third-and-one.
— Gave up an interception that led to Utah’s 24th point.
— Fielded two punts inside the five.
— Gave up five sacks.
The Gators, 6-7, were facing a Utah team without its starting quarterback (Cam Rising( and seven other starters, but never quite seemed in synch. Utah seemed quicker, more efficient.
New Florida quarterback Graham Mertz threw for 333 yards and one touchdown.
The Gators play at home against McNeese State on Sept. 9.
The predictions:
LSU 17; FSU 16.
Western Kentucky 28, USF 21.
TCU 23, Colorado 16
North Carolina 30, South Carolina 13
Ohio State 40, Indiana 3