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Florida football: Ranking Florida’s 2022 Opponents

By Sean Doty

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Head Coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators speaks during a press conference introducing him to the Media at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Head Coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators speaks during a press conference introducing him to the Media at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators rushes for fa ourth-quarterer touchdown during a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on September 11, 20,21 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators rushes for fa ourth-quarterer touchdown during a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on September 11, 20,21 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Florida football opponent rankings: South Florida Bulls (9/17)

Metric Score: 1.5

Much like the Eastern Washington game, this year’s contest against USF holds little merit outside of adding another mark to Florida’s win column.

But perhaps one point of intrigue with this game centers around Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. More particularly with his progression from last season the present.

Though he did not start for the Gators in Tampa, it was last year’s week 2 matchup between these two teams that served as Richardson’s welcoming party to the national scene.

Richardson threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns on a mere three pass attempts against the Bulls. He also tallied 115 rushing yards on four attempts, including a 80-yard touchdown run early in the 4th quarter.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators rushes for a fourth-quarterer touchdown during a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on September 11, 20,21 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators rushes for a fourth-quarterer touchdown during a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on September 11, 20,21 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

In fairness, the Bull’s defense in 2021 was about as terrible as the smell of actual bull crap, ranking 123rd nationally in total defense. However, the Bulls return 19 starters from last season, including nine players on defense. So on paper, they will have a more experienced lineup when they face the Gators in a week 3 rematch.

Despite losing the turnover battle and drawing almost even on the time of possession against the Bulls, the Gators still managed to put up 369 more yards of total offense in their 42-20 road victory.

In front of the home crowd for a third straight week, this game could serve as a booster for Anthony Richardson’s potential Heisman hopes.

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