Getty Image
The college football season is finally upon us and fans will get things kickstarted this week with a huge Thursday night matchup in Utah. The game features a prominent SEC power and the defending PAC 12 champs, but one notable update is forcing the betting action to move drastically.
Utah entered this matchup against Florida as more than a touchdown favorite over the Gators. That line made sense given the two programs’ performances from a year ago.
While the Gators won the head-to-head contest against the Utes in Gainesville, the two teams went in completely different directions from there on out.
Florida finished 6-6 and went on to get blown out in its bowl game by Oregon State. Utah, meanwhile, won 10 of its next 12 games, including a conference championship against Heisman winner Caleb Williams and USC.
With much of the production back for the Utes, coupled by the loss of first round draft pick Anthony Richardson for Florida, Utah appeared to have the advantage.
But while Vegas pegged the more experienced PAC 12 program as a clear favorite, much of that predicted line rested on the status of starting signal caller Cam Rising.
The senior threw for 3,034 yards last year with 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He’s led the Utes to back-to-back PAC 12 titles and is looking for the three-peat in his final campaign.
Unfortunately, a torn ACL from last year’s bowl game put his Week 1 status in question.
On Wednesday, it was reported that he’d likely be out for the season opener against the Gators.
❌Cam Rising is not expected to play against Florida, @PeteThamel reports. https://t.co/ybRSCOlUSN pic.twitter.com/2hDmbkxdnd
— On3 (@On3sports) August 30, 2023
That line has now dipped significantly in favor of Florida, moving from -7.5 to -4 throughout the day.
So…. the line between Utah and Florida is now down to Utes favored by four at home. It had been around 7.5 for Utah.
This gives more credence that Cam Rising isn’t starting
— Jeremy Mauss (@JeremyMauss) August 30, 2023
It’s not the first time the line has moved that low. Early last week, the Gators climbed to +4.5 before the line reverted back to its opening mark.
Bettors have a bit more confidence in Florida given the latest news on the Utah quarterback. We’ll see if there’s anymore late movement before Thursday night’s kickoff.