In 2017, Florida escaped Lexington with a win thanks to Kentucky completely uncovering two different receivers.
Two years later, it took a backup quarterback named Kyle Trask leading an unforgettable comeback and a missed chip-shot field goal for the Gators to win.
The third time proved to be the charm for the Wildcats. Kentucky (5-0, 3-0 SEC) defeated No. 10 Florida, 20-13, on Saturday night at Kroger Field.
Here is our instant recap of UF’s first loss in Lexington since 1986.
How the game was lost
Trailing 13-10 early in the fourth quarter, Emory Jones stared down a receiver over the middle of the field, and his pass was intercepted by J.J. Weaver.
Kentucky went right down the field afterward and scored on a 9-yard run from Chris Rodriguez to extend its lead to 20-10.
Florida mustered a late rally, but they were stopped inside the red zone with under a minute left.
Player of the Game
Josh Paschal
Kentucky’s defensive end was the best defensive player in what was a defense-dominated game. He lived in the Gators’ backfield, recording seven tackles and 2.5 tackles-for-loss.
He also made the play of the game on special teams.
Play of the Game
With the Gators leading 10-7 and owning the momentum following Tre’Vez Johnson’s interception midway through the third quarter, they settled for a 48-yard field goal attempt by Jace Christmann.
Christmann’s kick was low and blocked by Paschal. Trevin Wallace scooped up the ball, evaded some linemen, broke a tackle attempt and sprinted into the end zone for a touchdown that gave the Wildcats a 13-10 lead.
After living dangerously for most of the game, the special teams blunder led to a downward spiral that cost the Gators the game.
Stat of the Game
15 penalties for 115 yards
It seemed like every one of UF’s penalties backed the Gators up before a crucial third down.
It was an extremely rough night for Florida’s offensive line and running backs, as they committed eight false start penalties and a couple of holding fouls. Those setbacks prevented the Gators from finding any sort of offensive rhythm.
It was the most penalties Florida committed in a game since 2017 against Georgia.
You can’t beat a good team on the road when you make that many self-inflicted mistakes.
Up next
It’s homecoming week at UF. The Gators (3-2, 1-2) will host Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-1) on Saturday at noon on the SEC Network. Florida has won 30 of the last 32 meetings in the series.