College football season is kicking off with a bang, and there are some intriguing matchups on Thursday night. One of the biggest games of the night is Florida taking on Utah in a rematch from last year's opener, where the Gators pulled off a massive upset. However, despite that win, Florida is not expected to make a bowl game this season.

The Gators are facing a tough schedule, with challenges from teams like South Carolina, Missouri, and Kentucky. These teams have a wide range of expectations and are all capable of giving Florida a run for their money. Additionally, Florida will also face tough opponents like Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, and LSU. With such a challenging schedule, it will be an uphill battle for the Gators to secure a bowl game berth.

On the other hand, Nebraska, always a fan favorite, is also predicted to have a tough season. Despite the support from their dedicated fan base, the Cornhuskers haven't made a bowl game since 2016, and this year doesn't look promising either. Their first game of the season is against Minnesota, and while it's game No. 1 of the Matt Rhule era for Nebraska, it's unlikely that they will see immediate success.

So, will Florida and Nebraska make a bowl game this season? The odds are stacked against them, but time will tell if these teams can overcome their challenging schedules and prove the doubters wrong.

Utah starting quarterback, Cam Rising, is doubtful to play in the Utes' season opener against Florida. Rising suffered a torn ACL during the Rose Bowl in January and has not yet received the final all-clear to play. The game between Utah and Florida is one of the biggest in Week 1, with both teams hoping to secure a victory. While Rising was listed as the starter on the depth chart earlier in the week, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has called him a true game-time decision. The Utes may have to rely on backup quarterbacks if Rising is unable to play, with redshirt junior Bryson Barnes expected to start and redshirt freshman Nate Johnson potentially being used in a "change of pace" role. Despite the potential absence of Rising, the Utes are still favored to win, although the point spread has shifted in favor of Florida. Utah will need to rely on its backup quarterbacks and strong defense to secure a victory in their season opener.

The quarterback transfer from Wisconsin is set to make his debut with the Gators tonight against the Utah Utes. Mertz, known for his turnover troubles in the past, will have to prove himself under new head coach Billy Napier. The Gators will rely on their running game, but Mertz will need to make plays through the air for Florida to come out with a victory. It remains to be seen how Mertz will fit into Napier's offensive system, which historically emphasizes the QB-run element. Additionally, Mertz will have to adjust to a brand new offensive line, as well as a young and untested group of wide receivers. Can Mertz avoid costly mistakes and showcase his potential as a dynamic playmaker for the Gators?

Meanwhile, the Utes are also facing uncertainty at the quarterback position. Star quarterback Cam Rising, who led Utah to back-to-back Pac-12 championships, may not be available due to a torn ACL suffered earlier this year. Rising has been limited in practice and did not participate in preseason scrimmages. His absence would be a significant blow to Utah's offense. As both teams prepare for their season opener, the fate of their quarterbacks may play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game.

After a thrilling football game, finding the perfect place for a delicious dinner is a must. Luckily, Waco has a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're in the mood for pizza, tacos, Greek food, or barbecue, this list has got you covered.

1. Shorty's Pizza Shack: Nothing beats a greasy, delicious pie after a long day at the stadium. Shorty's is a popular choice, so be prepared for a crowd and a potential wait. But the tasty pizza is worth it.

2. Taqueria Zacatecas: If you want a quick and convenient option, head to Taco Z's drive-thru for some mouth-watering tacos. You can enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own car, perfect for when you're feeling a little worn out.

3. Alpha Omega: For flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, Alpha Omega is the place to go. Indulge in a chicken gyro, Greek feta fries, and a refreshing drink to cool down after the game.

4. The Mix Cafe: If you're craving a sandwich or a salad, The Mix Cafe is a great choice. Their Hawaiian chicken sandwich and feta walnut salad are sure to satisfy your hunger.

5. La Milpa Food Truck: Open until 3:30 a.m., La Milpa is the ultimate late-night spot for satisfying your post-game cravings. Enjoy delicious, budget-friendly Mexican food from this local favorite.

While Helberg Barbecue is not an option right after the game due to its opening hours, you can always plan to visit for a delicious lunch the next day. Make sure to check their opening hours and indulge in some mouth-watering barbecue during the football season.

No matter which place you choose, you're guaranteed to find a tasty post-game meal in Waco.

After transferring from Wisconsin to Florida, quarterback Graham Mertz has faced questions about his potential success with the Gators. However, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy believes that Mertz has a chance to thrive in his new environment. McElroy points out that many quarterbacks who struggled at their first school have found success after transferring to a different program. He mentions the examples of Michael Penix Jr., Hendon Hooker, and Bo Nix, who all went from struggling to becoming Heisman candidates in the following season.

During his time at Wisconsin, Mertz threw for over 5,000 yards and 38 touchdowns, indicating his potential to succeed in college football. The key for Mertz this season will be finding consistency, as he has thrown 26 interceptions throughout his career.

There is reason for optimism among Florida fans, despite Mertz not being the highest-rated transfer quarterback. Josh Pate suggests that quarterbacks who have struggled at one school but transferred to another have often looked like completely different players. He cites the successes of Penix and Nix as examples. Furthermore, the Wisconsin staff reportedly believes that they misused Mertz in their offense and didn't get the most out of him, which bodes well for his potential at Florida.

While Mertz may not be in the Heisman race this season, and he may not possess the same playmaking abilities as Anthony Richardson, it is important to give him a chance to prove himself before assuming he will be the worst quarterback in the SEC. With the support of his coaches and teammates, Mertz has the opportunity to excel in his new setting at Florida.

Utah's starting quarterback, Cameron Rising, is unlikely to play in the season opener against Florida. Rising tore his ACL earlier this year and has not received final clearance to return. The Utes had hoped that Rising would be available to start, but now they are preparing for "Plan B." Head coach Kyle Whittingham has named redshirt junior Bryson Barnes as the starter in Rising's place, with redshirt freshman Nate Johnson potentially being used in a "change of pace" role. Barnes has experience in high-pressure situations, having thrown his first college passes in a Rose Bowl game two years ago.

Rising's potential absence has also affected the odds for the game, with Utah going from a 9.5-point favorite to a 4.5-point favorite. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rising's availability, analyst Joel Klatt still has high expectations for Utah this season and believes they are the better program. He emphasized the importance of Utah taking care of business in this game, as it will have an impact on how the rest of the season and the Pac-12 conference are viewed.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Utah will be looking to start the season strong and make a statement against Florida.

Utah wide receiver Devaughn Vele recently held a media session to discuss the upcoming 2023 season. In his interview, Vele expressed his excitement about the team and the changes that have been made in the receiving room. He also touched on his role as a veteran leader.

During the session, Vele spoke about the buzz surrounding the team and the high expectations they have for the upcoming season. He emphasized the hard work and dedication the team has put in during the offseason and expressed confidence in their ability to perform well.

Vele also discussed the changes in the receiving room, highlighting the talent and depth that the team has at the position. He mentioned the competition and camaraderie among the receivers and expressed his belief that this would only make the team better.

As a veteran player, Vele talked about his role as a leader and the responsibility that comes with it. He mentioned the importance of setting a positive example for the younger players and being a mentor to them.

Overall, Vele's media session showcased his optimism and determination ahead of the 2023 season. Utah fans can look forward to seeing him on the field and witnessing his leadership firsthand.

Week one of high school football is underway, and Florida's 22 verbal commitments had the opportunity to showcase their talent. Among the standouts were defensive back Xavier Filsaime, who contributed to his team's win with 11 tackles, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Filsaime also made an impact on special teams as the punter, forcing the opposing team to start deep in their territory. Quarterback DJ Lagway had an impressive return to the gridiron, throwing for 425 yards and seven touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown.

Meanwhile, the Florida Gators' recruiting staff is still actively pursuing top prospects for the 2024 cycle. One player of interest is cornerback Jamari Howard, a former Michigan State commit, who has expressed interest in Florida as one of his top six choices. Howard plans to make official visits to Florida State and Florida sometime in September. Coach Corey Raymond has been the primary contact between the Gators and Howard.

As the regular season approaches, the Florida football recruiting team has made significant progress, climbing to the top three in the 2024 recruiting rankings. The Gators currently hold 22 verbal commitments, including five-star quarterback DJ Lagway and five-star safety Xavier Filsaime, who lead the class. Florida will be hosting several high school prospects for game day visits during the upcoming season.

The Florida Gators are gearing up for their second season under head coach Billy Napier, and there are burning questions about how the team will perform. Here are five key questions that Gators fans are asking:

1. How will quarterback Graham Mertz differ from Anthony Richardson?

Mertz, a transfer from Wisconsin, brings experience and stability to the Gators' offense. While he may not have Richardson's big-play ability, Mertz's accuracy and ability to sustain drives could be upgrades for the team.

2. Can Austin Armstrong fix a struggling defense?

The Gators' defense struggled in 2022, allowing opponents to score at least 30 points in six losses. With new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, who is known for his energy and aggressive play-calling, the team is hoping to see a turnaround on the defensive side of the ball.

3. What is Billy Napier's assessment of the team so far?

During a recent SEC teleconference, Napier expressed his confidence in the team's leadership, chemistry, and work ethic. He also mentioned specific players who have shown consistency and dependability, including wide receiver Pearsall, K-Jack, and Caleb Douglas.

4. How is the team learning from the program's history?

Napier has made it a point to bring back former players and incorporate the team's football history into their training. The recent Netflix documentary "Swamp Kings," which highlighted the championship era under Urban Meyer, has resonated with both coaches and players, inspiring them to aim for success.

5. What are the expectations for UF this season?

Napier believes in the potential of the Gators and is confident in their ability to compete. He wants to create a championship culture within the athletic department, not just in football, and is taking steps to make UF a contender once again.

As the Gators head into Year 2 under Napier's leadership, these burning questions will be answered on the field. Fans are anticipating an improved offense, a stronger defense, and a team that reflects the program's rich history. Only time will tell if the Gators can meet these expectations and make a statement in the 2023 season.

The popular gameday tradition of Melichar's football score predictions continues at their new location near 48th Street and Normal Boulevard. Melichar's, which had been a staple in the historic district for over five decades, recently moved to a new spot after their old building was torn down. Despite the change, the owners are keeping the tradition alive and unveiled their optimistic prediction for Thursday night's game. The new location is spacious and has allowed them to bring in more customers, with business booming 30% higher than before. While they will miss hosting tailgates in their old parking lot, they are excited to sit back and enjoy other people's parties. The owners expressed that the new location is starting to feel like home, and customers are happy to see the tradition continue. Overall, the Melichar's new location is thriving and has become a popular spot for Husker fans.

The Saint Francis Red Flash are set to open their 2023 football season on Thursday night at Western Michigan. After a six-year wait, the team clinched the Northeast Conference (NEC) championship last season, and now they aim to add a third banner under head coach Chris Villarrial. Despite a younger squad, with 59 new players and 52 true freshmen, the Red Flash still boast a strong offensive backfield. Star quarterback Cole Doyle, who was one of the best quarterbacks in all of FCS Football last season, returns along with four of the top five rushers from the previous year. The team's offense averaged 36 points per game in 2022, while their defense was stingy against the pass, finishing ninth in the FCS in pass yards allowed. With key players returning and a strong coaching staff, the Red Flash are favored to finish atop the NEC once again. On the other side, the Western Michigan Broncos are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season and have lost several key players. The stage is set for an exciting matchup to kick off the season.

Sources:

- Alex Crocco, Trib Dem Sports

- Andrew Jett, Sports Chat Place

The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for their 2023 football season, and fans are eager to catch every game. With a roster featuring standout players like quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, the Buckeyes have high hopes for the season. But how can fans watch their games for free?

One option is to sign up for a free trial of FuboTV, which carries the CBS, NBC, Fox, and Big Ten Network channels that will be broadcasting the Buckeyes' games. Other streaming platforms like DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV also offer free trials and will have some of the games available for streaming. Additionally, CBS games can be streamed on Paramount+, which offers a free 7-day trial.

It's important to note that some kickoff times and broadcast networks are still to be announced, but with multiple streaming options available, fans should have no trouble finding a way to watch their beloved Buckeyes in action.

Ohio State's regular season kicks off this Saturday with a game against Indiana, which will be broadcast on CBS. Throughout the season, the Buckeyes will face tough opponents like Notre Dame, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan, making it a thrilling season to watch.

So, if you're a fan of Ohio State football and don't want to miss a single game in the 2023 season, consider taking advantage of the free trial offers on various streaming platforms to catch all the action.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban's decision to withhold a depth chart for the team's season opener has sparked criticism from some analysts, including ESPN's Paul Finebaum. Finebaum accused Saban of bullying the local media, citing his history of being dismissive and confrontational. Fox Sports announcer Tim Brando also called out Saban for his behavior, questioning why he felt the need to bully the media. Saban defends his decision, stating that he wants to eliminate distractions for the team and ensure that players continue to compete for playing time. While players are aware of their positions within the team, the public release of the depth chart could create unnecessary pressure and scrutiny. Saban's withholding of the depth chart has led to speculation about the reasons behind his decision, with some suggesting that concerns about social media and its impact on player morale could be a factor. Ultimately, Saban's actions have reignited the debate about the coach's relationship with the media and how he handles public scrutiny.

Arsenal Women have officially announced the signing of Laia Codina from Barcelona, following reports of the transfer earlier this month. The 23-year-old centre-back, who won the Women's World Cup with Spain this summer, joins the Gunners on a permanent deal. Codina's arrival comes as Arsenal looks to bolster their defense, with Leah Williamson recovering from an ACL injury and Rafaelle departing for Orlando Pride. Codina, who predominantly plays at left centre-back, adds depth and experience to the team.

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall expressed his delight at working with Codina, describing her as a world-class defender with a great mix of technical ability and physical presence. Codina's versatility and ability to read the game will be an asset to Arsenal as they aim to compete in all four competitions this season.

Codina herself is excited to join Arsenal and spoke of her knowledge and admiration for the club's history. She is eager to contribute to the team's pursuit of silverware and make memories with the supporters. Arsenal's Head of Women's Football, Clare Wheatley, believes Codina has the potential to continue developing and progressing with the club.

Codina joins Swedish centre-back Amanda Ilestedt as Arsenal's defensive reinforcements this summer. The Gunners are also looking to add a right-back to their squad.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has been garnering attention from analysts and investors, leading to uncertainty and intrigue surrounding the company's future performance. Analysts from Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Loop Capital have all provided their insights on WWE's potential, with price target increases ranging from $109.00 to $125.00.

VNET Group, on the other hand, has maintained its rating on WWE, adding to the mixed opinions surrounding the stock. With four analysts giving it a hold rating and three rating it as a buy, there seems to be varying perspectives on WWE's trajectory.

Institutional investors have also made noteworthy moves in WWE stock. CWM LLC increased its stake by 84.1% during the second quarter, demonstrating confidence in future returns. Dark Forest Capital Management LP acquired new shares, while WealthPLAN Partners LLC, KBC Group NV, and Fred Alger Management LLC also made investments in WWE.

These actions from institutional investors, coupled with the positive sentiments from analysts, have contributed to the intrigue surrounding WWE's performance. Currently, approximately 69.13% of WWE's stock is owned by institutional investors.

As market experts continue to evaluate WWE's potential, it remains to be seen whether WWE shares will rise to new heights or face a setback. With conflicting opinions and significant institutional investment, the future of WWE's stock remains uncertain.

Former ESPN host Sage Steele has spoken out about feeling "silenced" by the network for expressing certain dissenting opinions. In a recent interview with FOX News, Steele discussed her experience at ESPN and her decision to leave the network. She claimed that she was not the only one who felt silenced and scared, stating that some employees would whisper conversations in corners or even bathrooms because they were afraid to speak openly. Steele specifically mentioned her stance on the COVID-19 vaccine as a topic where she felt silenced by the network. She also expressed frustration with the lack of equity, tolerance, and inclusion at the company, despite those values being frequently mentioned. Steele and ESPN reached a settlement in their lawsuit, in which she alleged she was sidelined for making controversial comments about ESPN's COVID policies and questioning former President Barack Obama's racial identity on a podcast. Steele had been with ESPN since 2007.

Nebraska made history on Wednesday evening as they set a new world record attendance for a women's sporting event with 92,003 spectators in attendance for the Nebraska vs. UNO volleyball match. The iconic Memorial Stadium, typically used for football, was transformed into a volleyball court for the special occasion.

Nebraska Head Coach John Cook expressed his satisfaction at breaking the record and stated, "It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by the women of Nebraska, it's a state treasure and we just proved it."

The previous world record for a women's sporting event attendance was set at 91,648 for the Barcelona vs. Wolfsburg UEFA Champions League match in 2022. In addition to breaking the world record, Nebraska also set new records for American record attendance, the largest-ever crowd for any NCAA volleyball match, and the largest NCAA volleyball regular-season attendance.

Nebraska has a strong volleyball program, having won five national championships and consistently leading the nation in attendance since 2013. The program is also one of the few in Division I women's sports that turns a profit.

The historic day concluded with a performance by country music artist Scotty McCreery at Memorial Stadium, following a pep rally at the Nebraska Coliseum.

The LA Galaxy will face off against the San Jose Earthquakes in their 98th edition of the Cali Clasico on August 30th. LA Galaxy currently leads the all-time series between the two teams with a record of 45-33-19. However, in regular-season matches played on the road against the Earthquakes, the Galaxy hold a 13-18-11 record. LA Galaxy is unbeaten in their last three matches played on the road against San Jose.

In their previous meeting during the 2023 season, the Galaxy earned a 2-1 victory at home. The Galaxy also recorded a 2-2 draw against San Jose earlier in the season. The team is coming off a strong 3-0 win against Chicago Fire FC, improving their record to 4-1-4 in their last nine matches.

On the other hand, the San Jose Earthquakes have struggled recently, with injuries keeping key players out of the game. Nathan and Judson are both unavailable for the home side due to injuries, while Martin Caceres remains out of contention for the Galaxy.

Both teams are expected to put up a tough fight, with previous meetings between the Earthquakes and the Galaxy ending with both teams scoring. However, experts predict a narrow victory for the Earthquakes, with a final score of 2-1.

Fans can catch the action live on Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass and expect an exciting clash between these two California rivals.

Santiago Moreno had a goal and an assist as the Portland Timbers defeated visiting Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Wednesday night, giving interim coach Miles Joseph his first MLS victory. Felipe Mora also scored and David Bingham made four saves for the Timbers (7-11-8, 29 points), who snapped a four-match losing streak in all competitions.

Moreno scored in the 13th minute thanks to some sloppy defending by RSL. The Timbers doubled their advantage in the 64th minute. They sent the ball to Moreno just inside the right edge of the penalty area, and he settled it and passed to a charging Mora, who put a one-timer from 10 yards out into the upper right corner of the net.

Arango tallied for RSL in the 83rd minute, redirecting Brayan Vera's 20-yard shot into the lower right corner of the net.

Both teams had multiple players sidelined due to injuries, but the Timbers were able to come out on top and secure their first win under their new interim coach. This victory will surely boost their confidence as they continue to compete in the MLS.

Fresh off their recent triumph, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set to face Nashville in Wednesday's MLS match. After winning the Leagues Cup title and securing a 2-0 victory in his MLS debut, Messi's arrival in America has ignited excitement among fans. Now, DraftKings is offering new users a bonus of up to $1,250 for the Inter Miami vs. Nashville game, giving them an opportunity to experience the Messi Effect firsthand.

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