Key Matchups That Will Decide Florida vs. Kentucky
Although ranked No. 22 in the most recent AP Top 25, the Florida Gators find themselves considered to be underdogs in a road matchup against Kentucky, and there's a lot on the line for Billy Napier and his squad.
Florida will look to start 2-0 in SEC play for the first time since 2020 while looking to avoid the first three-game losing streak to Kentucky since the Wildcats won four straight from 1948-51, when Bear Bryant was the program's head coach.
Here are three key matchups between Florida and Kentucky that could decide the victor on Saturday night. Kickoff from Kroger Field is at noon ET with television coverage on ESPN.
Gators' pass defense vs. Wildcats' passing attack
In his first season in command of Kentucky's offense, quarterback Devin Leary has led the Wildcats to a 4-0 start, but he's also had turnover issues with five interceptions in those games. Among SEC passers, only Vanderbilt's AJ Swann has more interceptions.
That being said, Florida has struggled this season to get interceptions. The Gators have only picked off one pass this year, which is tied for dead last in the conference. It's a category in which Napier noted that the team needs to display improvement.
"When you play Kentucky, the number of snaps go down a little bit because of the way that they play offense," he said on Wednesday. "Each possession counts and certainly takeaways are more impactful when there are fewer possessions in the game."
Despite some of the turnover issues in the passing game, the Wildcats have found success with explosive plays. Kentucky boasts four receivers with at least one 50-yard catch, and Leary has completed at least one pass of over 40 yards in each game.
"I think explosives will be important in this game, in particular when you're defending Kentucky, a lot of their explosives come when the ball gets to the second level in the run game," Napier explained, "and then also you got to survive the three-level vertical pass game, the shots off play action."
Obviously, limiting explosive plays and creating turnovers are keys for any team looking for a win. Florida will have to do both to snap its two-game losing streak against Kentucky.
Florida's defensive front vs. Kentucky running back Ray Davis
Although Kentucky's rushing attack is not a focal point, running back Ray Davis poses a threat to Florida's defense.
The Wildcats are No. 13 in the SEC in rushing yards per game (131.50), but their 5.48 yards per attempt are second in the league. Davis himself leads the team with 6.28 yards per carry, which is fifth in the SEC individually, and is tied for the lead league in rushing touchdowns with five.
Not to mention, he's had personal success against the Gators after rushing for 122 yards in Vanderbilt's 31-24 victory over Florida last season.
Facing a team that loves to air it out, Florida cannot afford to overlook the threat Davis poses on the ground.
"It's gonna be real important," defensive tackle Cam Jackson said on Wednesday. "Like I tell the D-Line, it always starts with us. We trying to make the team a one-dimensional team, so we stop the run, we're gonna try and make them a throwing team."
Florida comes into the matchup with a top-five defense nationally after only giving up 245 yards per game. Its 82.5 rushing yards per game given up is second in the SEC, only to Kentucky.
The Gators will need to keep up that dominance if they are to escape Lexington with a win.
UF's offensive line vs. UK's rushing defense
There is only one team in the SEC that allows fewer rushing yards a game than Florida, and the Gators' offense will be facing off against that squad on Saturday. Kentucky's defense allows a league-low 77.5 rushing yards per game, led by linebacker Trevin Wallace, who happens to be tied for second in the SEC with four sacks.
There was no question that Florida's inability to consistently establish the run, especially in the red zone, hurt them in last weekend's 22-7 win over Charlotte. Part of that was a lack of carries for Trevor Etienne. Another had to do with the Gators being without starters Kingsley Eguakun (injury), Damieon George Jr. (first-half suspension) and Micah Mazzccua (full-game suspension).
All three will be back this week, Napier said in his two press availabilities this week. Getting Eguakun back specifically will be crucial for the offense, he further explained.
"Experience, there’s no value, no price tag you can put on it. The guy’s ability. He’s comfortable, he’s been there, he’s a really good communicator, he’s got an edge about him that rubs off on the other guys. It will be a big deal," Napier said.
While Florida has had consistent success in the passing game with Graham Mertz, who leads the SEC with a 77.78 completion percentage, they have proven over the last two years to have more success offensively when relying on the run game.
Against a defense that prides itself on stuffing the run, Florida cannot afford to abandon relying on Etienne, Montrell Johnson and the offensive line, even if its passing offense is one of the most efficient in the conference.
Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.
Get your Gators football, basketball, baseball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.
