Kentucky hosts Florida Saturday at Kroger Field for a noon kickoff on ESPN. After 31-straight losses to the Gators, the Wildcats are seeking their third-straight win in the series, a feat that has not been accomplished since Bear Bryant roamed the sidelines.
The Streak was snapped in 2018 and all three Kentucky wins have featured similar characteristics. We study history because the past can indicate what might happen in the future. Consider this a recipe of success for the Wildcats.
Low-Scoring Game
The total set by FanDuel is 44.5. None of Kentucky’s wins over Florida have gone over that total. Mark Stoops has over-powered Florida by doing just that, being more physical in the trenches. Physicality has been a theme in practice all week and the Wildcats are prepared for another slobber-knocker at Kroger Field.
Defensive/Special Teams Touchdowns for Kentucky
In low-scoring games, the team that makes the biggest mistake is typically the one that ends up losing the game. The Wildcats have capitalized on Florida mistakes in the greatest way possible.
Kentucky’s first win over Florida did not feature a defensive score until there were zeroes on the clock. Josh Allen stripped Feleipe Franks. Davonte Robinson picked up the ball, then listened to his coach who instructed him to run it into the end zone for the final score. When the Wildcats won at home, one of the loudest crowd pops in Kroger Field history was created when Josh Paschal blocked a field goal and Trevin Wallace returned it 76 yards for a touchdown. The most impressive defensive play of last year’s game did not result in a touchdown, but Jordan Wright got into Anthony Richardson‘s head with a one-handed pick in the flat. Later in the game Keidron Smith took an interception 65 yards to the house to break a 16-16 tie.
An Explosive Kentucky Touchdown
It’s not just the defense that’s creating big plays against Florida. The Kentucky offense has been explosive when the Wildcats needed it most.
Terry Wilson made the greatest throw of his career in his second start, dialing up a deep ball to Lynn Bowden for a 54-yard touchdown that gave Kentucky a decisive lead late in the third quarter. In 2021 Wan’Dale Robinson got loose for a 41-yard score on a screen pass. Last fall Dane Key has his coming out party in Gainesville when the true freshman reeled in a 55-yard bomb from Will Levis.
“I feel like it proved to myself that I belong in this league and can be the one to go make those plays,” Key said earlier this week. “Building from last year, I know I can go out there and make those plays.”
This iteration of the Kentucky offense is the most explosive of the Mark Stoops era. The Wildcats already have 13 plays of 30+ yards, tied for the fourth-most in the SEC. It’s a trend that must continue for Kentucky to take down the Gators.
Kentucky Holds on Late
These tightly-contested matchups have gone down to the wire. In years past, the BBN watched their Wildcats crumble in crucial situations. Mark Stoops has instilled a belief in his players that gives them confidence to gut out tough wins against an SEC divisional foe.
Kentucky’s ability to run the ball and get stops has saved the day, and none were more impressive than the streak-snapping win in 2018. Leading by 11, the UK defense gave up a 99-yard Florida touchdown scoring drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Undeterred, Josh Allen deflected a two-point pass that gave the Cats some cushion. Benny Snell got a first down to help grind out the clock, ultimately setting up the final scoop-and-score.
After so many close calls, Mark Stoops’ teams learned how to close out games by beating Florida. History could repeat itself Saturday.
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