Florida vs. Utah Same-Game Parlay: Can Ricky Pearsall Feast In Season Opener?
The Florida Gators will open up the regular season with a non-conference game against the back-to-back Pac-12 Champions, Utah Utes. Can Ricky Pearsall feast in the season opener? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - August 31, 2023, 8:30 AM EDT
5 minFlorida vs. Utah Same-Game Parlay: Can Ricky Pearsall Feast In Season Opener?
The Florida Gators will open up the regular season with a non-conference game against the back-to-back Pac-12 Champions.
The Gators no longer have Anthony Richardson at quarterback. But it's also not like that matters much. Even with the fourth overall selection of the NFL Draft, the Gators went 6-6 in the regular season.
Florida will ride out the season with former Wisconsin Badger QB Graham Mertz. But he's not the center of attention in this game.
Reports have swarmed online that Utah QB Cam Rising won't play in tonight's matchup against Florida. Rising tore his ACL in the Rose Bowl against Penn State and is still recovering. There's no official word, but the line for Utah has dropped significantly from -6.5 to -4.
Utah fans are likely stressed. But it's a good feeling knowing college football is back.
Here's a same-game parlay for tonight's game between the Florida Gators vs. Utah Utes.
Florida vs. Utah Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: Thursday, August 31, 2023
- Start Time: 8:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Florida Gators vs. Utah Utes Same-Game Parlay Picks
Graham Mertz Over 168.5 Passing Yards (-114)
I'm not a fan of Graham Mertz. I don't even think he will make Florida any better this year.
But 168.5 passing yards in a single game seems ludicrous. Mertz threw for at least 200 yards in six games last season. He also earned at least 170 passing yards in seven of 12 games.
Mertz was in a run-heavy offense in Wisconsin. Florida's got better receivers than Wisconsin did last year. The receiver that comes to mind is Ricky Pearsall, who averaged 20 yards per catch last season.
I understand the disrespect with Graham Mertz. He doesn't move the needle. But the Utes are still favorites and expected to win. They'll throw the ball if Florida is trailing in the second half.
Ricky Pearsall Over 41.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
If Pearsall doesn't earn 42 or more receiving yards, this parlay will lose because Mertz won't reach 170 passing yards.
Pearsall is expected to jump significantly with the Gators in his final season. He's hauled in 94 catches and 1,455 yards in his career.
His first three seasons were at Arizona State. In 2021, he grabbed 48 balls for 580 yards. He should have that volume again. However, last year, in 2022, he added just 33 catches but had 661 yards.
This season, he likely hauls in 50+ balls and earns nearly 1,000 yards receiving. Pearsall is so highly coveted that he went to Flordia's media day. He'll be in their plans for Week 1.
Ja'Quinden Jackson Anytime Touchdown (-155)
The sophomore running back, Ja'Quinden Jackson, was given 78 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per rush and scoring nine touchdowns.
He never had a game where he earned more than 13 carries last season. But that's about to change this year. He'll be the featured back for the Utah Utes.
He earned 81 or more yards in four of the last five Utah games despite earning no more than 13 carries in a game.
Jackson also finished last year with eight touchdowns in his final six games, including the Rose Bowl against Penn State. Even in that game, Jackson averaged 6.2 yards a rush and scored a touchdown.
Florida will have growing pains this year. Take Jackson to score a touchdown to finish out the parlay.
Florida Gators vs. Utah Utes Same-Game Parlay Picks
3-Leg Same-Game Parlay Odds (+353) (Bet $100 to collect $453) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
- Graham Mertz Over 168.5 Passing Yards (-114)
- Ricky Pearsall Over 41.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
- Ja'Quinden Jackson Anytime Touchdown (-155)
College Football Odds
