Florida’s Lackluster Week 1 Performance Was Ridiculed by College Football World

Florida was outclassed by Utah during its season opener on Thursday, as Billy Napier’s squad struggled on both sides of the ball.

In the 24–11 loss, the Gators offense was particularly putrid, failing to reach the end zone once throughout the first three quarters of play. Additionally, Florida was unable to convert on any of its first nine attempts on third down, ending the night 1-for-13 on third down.

As a team, Florida had just 13 rushing yards on 21 attempts. While Graham Mertz threw for 333 yards, he was sacked five times and threw a costly interception.

All eyes were on the Gators during the nationally televised game, and fans were not impressed with the performance they put out. College football fans on social media pulled no punches while ripping Florida for its disappointing showing in its season opener.

Florida’s worse on 3rd & 4th Down than I am at drawing circles. pic.twitter.com/eeucptM2Ky
— Aaron Taylor (@AaronTaylorCFB) September 1, 2023

With Florida's loss at Utah, Gators still have not won a true road non-conference game outside the state of Florida in 34 years since beating Memphis on Sept. 23, 1989. Of course, UF has only played two true road non-SEC games outside of Florida in last 34 years since the UM win
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 1, 2023

Florida DE posted this before the game.

Gator defense promptly got cooked for a 70-yard TD on the opening play 😂 pic.twitter.com/lDcliKUoM2
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 1, 2023

Keep Florida fans in your thoughts and prayers; they have 11 more games with this team.
— Tarik D. LaCour (@realscientistic) September 1, 2023

Netflix really released Swamp Kings just to give the Florida Gator fans something to help them cope with how terrible the current state of their football program is.

Incredibly thoughtful on Netflix part. Very classy move.
— Thumser (@JeffreyThumser) September 1, 2023

Only one man can save Florida football pic.twitter.com/WHTbMtwnmQ
— Alex Ansted (@AlexAnstedCFB) September 1, 2023

maybe florida's trying to tank for caleb williams
— Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub) September 1, 2023

I thought Anthony Richardson should've been the #1 pick, but after looking at Florida without him, it's clear I underrated him
— Jason Kirk (jasonkirk.fyi on bluesky) (@thejasonkirk) September 1, 2023