Utah vs. Florida Notebook: What We Learned From Utes Demolition of Gators

The Utah Utes were able to beat the Florida Gators with ease in their season opener.

For the first time in their last five chances, Utah beat a non-conference Power 5 opponent and they did so in a big way.

With the eyes of college football all dialed into the Week 1 game in Salt Lake City against the Florida Gators, the Utes put on a show. Led by backup quarterback Bryson Barnes, the Utes offense exposed the Florida defense early in the first half, going up by as many as 14 points. 

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Utah ended up winning the game by a score of 24-11, and were able to avenge last season's heartbreaking loss to the Anthony Richardson-led Gators. 

Upon conclusion of Thursday night's shellacking, there are three major takeaways from the Utes' victory so let's take a look at what they are.

Utah's defense is as physically imposing as ever

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When playing SEC teams there is always a notion that they are much more physical than any other conference in college football. That was not the case at all on Thursday night, as the Utes were absolutely man-handling the Gators. The defensive line sacked Graham Mertz five times, and held their stable of running backs to just 13-yards rushing. If the uniforms didn't have conference logos on them you would have guessed Utah was the SEC program. 

Nate Johnson should always have a role

If there was place to knock Utah from their Week 1 win it would be the run game. It'd likely be a tad nit-picky, but there seemed to be a tad more hype than production when it came to that room. Outside of Micah Bernard no other running back was able to get anything going, which is why Nate Johnson should always have a role. Utah can use him as a wildcat quarterback or even use him as a receiver and get the ball to him in space. He provides a major spark, and is just too difficult to bring down. Even when Rising returns, Johnson should get a minimum of 10 touches per game. 

Bryson Barnes deserved more respect pre-game

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Bryson Barnes is currently the hero of Utah football, but prior to the game there seemed to be mixed feelings by the fan base about him starting. Barnes silenced all of the critics, making big throws and all of the right plays on Thursday night. While one play doesn't win the game, his very first throw was the punch in the mouth to Florida that appeared to leave them stunned the rest of the game. Utah is now 2-0 when he starts, and there should be no further questions about whether or not he is the right guy to play while Rising is out.