Utah Legend Alex Smith: Florida Opener ‘Surpasses Anything That I Had In College’
Aug 31, 2023, 6:22 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah football legend and former NFL quarterback Alex Smith attended the Utes’ season opener against the Florida Gators and previewed the matchup during pregame on ESPN.
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The Utes hosted the Gators at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday, August 31.
Prior to kickoff, Smith joined ESPN’s pregame show to preview the big game.
“This surpasses anything that I had in college,” Smith said as he looked around at the atmosphere of Utah’s crowd at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
.@Utah_Football legend Alex Smith previews the season opener between the Utes and @GatorsFB. 🙌 🐊 🏈
“This surpasses anything that I had in college.” #UFvsUTAH #GoUtes @kslsports
🎥: ESPN pic.twitter.com/nqwj284c8N— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) August 31, 2023
Smith also discussed Utah’s starting quarterback situation with Cam Rising out for the contest. Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson were discussed by the former Utah standout.
The former NFL signal-caller also highlighted the leadership of Kyle Whittingham, who’s been leading the Utah football program for nearly two decades.
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Utah’s game against Florida is televised on ESPN.
About Alex Smith
Following a high school career at Helix High in California, Smith was a star for the Utes. He led Utah to an undefeated record and a Fiesta Bowl victory in his final collegiate season.
He went on to become the No. 1 overall pick by the 49ers. The former Utah standout played the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the Bay Area franchise.
During his career, Smith played for the Niners, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Football Team (now the Commanders). He’s well known for battling back from a life-threatening injury and playing in the 2020 season.
The 🐐 is in the building!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/7PrD56TxNL
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 31, 2023
The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft finished his 16-year career throwing for 35,650 yards and 199 touchdowns with a 62.6 completion rate.
Smith was named to the Pro Bowl three times during his career. He led the league in passer rating in 2017 and received the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2020.
Utah-Florida Series
The Utes and Gators have played twice before with both contests in Gainesville, Florida.
Utah’s first meeting with Florida came in 1977. The Gators beat the Utes, 38-29.
Utah Football is BACK ‼
Check back here for live updates on Utah vs. Florida in the season opener 🤝#GoUtes https://t.co/wvPpP32AUy
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 31, 2023
RELATED: Late Interception Sends No. 7 Utah Home With Heartbreaking Loss To Florida
Last season, the No. 7 ranked Utes suffered a 29-26 loss in Gainesville.
Kyle Ireland is a Sports Producer and Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com. He’s also co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on X/Twitter (@kyleireland), Instagram (@kyleirelandksl), and Threads (@kyleirelandksl).
