Florida head coach Billy Napier says he admires Utah’s rushing attack. We’ll see how he feels after he’s had to try and stop it.

The first-year Gator coach addressed the media in Gainesville earlier this week, and heaped praise onto the Utah run game during that press conference. From offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig’s install to Tavion Thomas’ execution, Napier said it’s a scheme he admires.

“I think they have a fantastic system on offense,” he said. “They’re balanced. Obviously, the running backs are returning. This is a well-designed running attack, in my opinion. I admire the brand of football that they play, I think, on a number of different surfaces. I think they obviously do a good job of designing the plan, either/ors, it’s well thought out. Their coordinator, I’ve watched this guy for a long time. He’s good at what he does. He’s got a quarterback that can make the decisions.

“So there’s a reason why they’re well thought of going into the season, the number of returning players they have, offensive line, tight end, running back, receiver, and most importantly, the quarterback. They present a lot of challenges for you on offense for sure.”

Utah had the second-most efficient run game in the country last season, ripping off 5.6 yards per carry. It was the most explosive, by EPA per play. Thomas went for a school-record 21 touchdowns. He, Micah Bernard, and TJ Pledger combined for 2,000 yards on the ground. And they did it while facing loaded boxes all season long.

Thomas and Bernard return for the 2022 campaign. They’ll be joined by freshman lightning rod Jaylon Glover. There are some replacements up front along the offensive line, but Braeden Daniels is a preseason first-team all-conference pick and Sataoa Laumea is a preseason second-team pick.

Most expect this to once again be a team that punishes opponents at the point of attack. Florida will need to be ready.

“We’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for Utah and the brand of football that they play on offense, defense, and special teams,” Napier said. “Very fundamentally sound group. They play with effort. They’re tough. They’ve been a very consistent performer in the Pac-12 and certainly admire the program that coach (Kyle) Whittingham has built there. Our team looks forward to the challenge and the opportunity.”

Kickoff in The Swamp is set for 4 p.m. PT on ESPN this Saturday.