Watch: Utah backup QB throws 70-yard touchdown on first pass attempt

Associated Press preseason No. 14 Utah is without starting quarterback Cam Rising in its season opener against Florida, not that anyone noticed based on the Utes' first play from scrimmage, a 70-yard touchdown pass from backup Bryson Barnes to wide receiver Money Parks.

Rising tore his ACL in the Rose Bowl against Penn State and was doubtful leading up to the game. Barnes is in his fourth year at Utah but only has 59 career pass attempts.

Last season, he was 37-of-57 (64.9 percent) for 430 yards (7.5 yards per attempt), four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Junior Money Parks was third on the team with 414 receiving yards.

Utah is seeking revenge against Florida after the Gators won the teams' meeting last year in Gainesville, 29-26.

The defending Pac-12 champ rebounded nicely from that loss while it was arguably the highlight of Florida's 6-7 season.

The Utes got off to a great start on Thursday as they seek an important out-of-conference win against an SEC opponent. 

Through one quarter, Barnes is 4-of-6 for 108 yards as Utah leads 7-3.

Utah isn't missing Rising early, which is not only promising for its chances against Florida but also later in the year. If it can win without him, just think how much better the Utes will be when he returns.