The Univ of Utah or U as its called by the SLC locals is a pretty huge and fine institution and I know a few neps who are in the ugrad program.  As for the sports part, the 2002 Winter Olympics had most of the events held there.  Also, the town is pretty laid back and the terrain reminded me of the Annapurna region of Nepal...I felt right at home.  To add, there is a Nepali restaurant smack in the town's main district and it really didn't feel like I was in a small city as that particular area has all the brand name stores, the financial district, the Delta Center (Utah Jazz' s home-court), malls and most of the car dealerships.  Similar to NYC (unlike other small hick towns), you can walk without being harassed.  BTW, Since I was on the verge of being transferred there from work earlier last year, I visited the U and took a campus tour and the whole nine yards (pertaining to transferring into the Econ dept for the Ph.D) but unfortunately things worked out in NYC and I'm still stuck here with my same ol life.  I'd say that in that particular region (Utah, Wyoming and the other small states surrounding it), the U degree garners a lotta respect as I've been told. 

I know nothing about Univ of FL as I've never ever visited its campus' or the town. 

All the best.