The Florida Gators pulled off the upset of the Utah Utes on Saturday night in the Swamp in a game that came down to the last minute as Amari Burney secured the victor for the Gators.
After defeating Utah, the Gators moved up to number 12 in the AP poll and they will take on number 20 Kentucky in the Swamp on Saturday night.
Kentucky comes into the game as an underdog but many around the country predicted the Wildcats to beat and finish ahead of the Gators before the season.
There are a lot of questions surrounding how the team will handle the taste of success heading into the Kentucky game and the GatorCountry team will give you their preview of the Kentucky game as well as their predictions.
What are you keys for this team to continue to be successful on offense?
AS: I think the biggest key for this offense is to stay balanced, we all know that Billy Napier wants to run the ball and keep the ball with the Gators to help the defense rest as much as possible, but the Gators must stay somewhat balanced. A balanced attack allows the running game to stay efficient but also helps keep the pressure off Anthony Richardson. Richardson also needs to stay patient in the pocket a little longer to allow for some routes to develop.
Nick: Everything starts with the offensive line. The offensive line is the strength of this team. The Gators will need this unit to play well in order to win games this season. Another key is to limit turnovers. Gators only turned the ball over once on Saturday night, but it easily could have been 2-3, which would have likely changed the outcome of the game.
Gentry: I think this answer is obvious. If Anthony Richardson continues to make good decisions with the football, then I don’t see the Gators missing a beat. The offensive line impressed me this past weekend. If they can pick up where they left off, along with the running backs, I’d expect a good showing from the offensive side of the football. Although, I’d like to see the wide receivers create more space.
Brandon: The RPO-boot will need to be polished to continue Florida’s success. However, UF will need to take advantage of the run game every Saturday as well.
What are you some things that you need to see improved on defense?
AS: The depth on the defensive line isn’t going to improve overnight but the biggest thing for me is the line must play their correct technique when in the game and tired. Late in the game, the defensive line got to high and out of position at times and that allowed the Utah offensive line to push them around a little bit. Another big thing for me is open field tackling, the secondary can’t allow Kentucky extra yards like they did Utah.
Nick: Gators need to improve their run defense. Kentucky struggled running the football in week one, gaining just 50 yards on 29 attempts against Miami of Ohio. This gives the Gators a perfect opportunity to bounce back and play a sound game defensively. Gators defensive backs weren’t really tested in week one, but you can bet they will be in week 2. Kentucky QB Will Levis threw for over 300 yards in week one, while the running backs struggled.
Gentry: For me, tackling is the first thing that comes to mind. While Florida did create pressure on the defensive front all night long, they didn’t record one sack the entire game. Finishing plays when bringing pressure this weekend will be key for the Gators. I’d also like to see the linebackers perform better in coverage. Utah Tight End Brant Kuithe finished the night with 9 catches for 105 yards and one touchdown.
Brandon: Defensively, I would need to see an improvement in our pass rush. The D-line was not able to get a single sack against Utah, that needs to change against Will Levis as Kentucky’s air attack is a huge part of the offense.
Anthony Richardson and the running game dominated in week one, do you think the passing game will be alive this week?
AS: I do think the passing game will be more involved this week as I expect Kentucky to force Florida to throw the ball more than Utah did. While the passing game is likely to be used more, I think the running game is going to be the key all year as Florida needs to keep the ball so the defense can rest as much as possible.
Nick: I think we will see much of the same gameplan. The great news is that Kentucky still must respect Richardson as a passer, because he will burn you if not. I think Richardson will connect on a long touchdown through the air and throw for 200+ yards.
Gentry: The passing game is without a doubt the one thing I want to see thrive most on the offensive side of the football this weekend. Seeing the receiver’s create space and take defensive backs deep would be a nice added touch to an explosive Florida run game. I am hopeful that Ricky Pearsall, as well as maybe Trent Whittemore or Xzavier Henderson, record a touchdown.
Brandon: Richardson threw 168 yards and completed 70.8 percent of his passes (17/24). The passing game was alive in the middle of the field against Utah, and it will continue this week.
After week one, do you think anyone has earned more snaps?
AS: Devin Moore is the guy for me, Florida is in need for more defensive backs and Moore showed last week that he can be that guy. Moore was in the game on the last play which shows the coaches trust him, but I would like to see him play even more this week.
Nick: Trevor Etienne. He played in only 14 snaps and made an impact for the Gators. Etienne had five carries for 64 yards, adding two catches for nine yards as well. Etienne looked just as good as anybody in the RB room.
Gentry: Trevor Etienne is the first player that comes to mind for me. Etienne showed everyone exactly what he brings to the table for the Gators run game averaging 12.8 yards per carry this past weekend against Utah. The freshman carried the ball five times for 64 yards.
Brandon: Running back Trevor Etienne. In five rushing attempts he gained 64 yards and averaged 12.8 yards per carry. Despite a fumble, which was recovered by the Gators in a crucial offensive drive in the second half Saturday, Etienne defiantly produced more than a true freshman is expected to do so.
What will be the keys for victory for the Gators this week?
AS: Kentucky struggled running the ball in week one and that will be a key for the Gators this week. Florida needs to stop the run and make Kentucky one dimensional and when Kentucky does throw the ball, the Gators need to get a pass rush. Kentucky is a fundamentally good team so winning the turnover battle is always going to be a key.
Nick: Stopping the run. If the Gators can handle the run on Saturday, I don’t see how Kentucky comes away with a victory. Will Levis is a solid QB, but he is overrated. He’s not a first-round pick like many are suggesting.
Gentry: The defense needs to improve in pass coverage and tackling in space, specifically finishing plays when applying pressure. If the defense can do that, along with the offense picking up right where they left off in the run game, I think the Gators come out with a win in Gainesville.
Brandon: Turn this game into a game won on the ground. Florida can not allow Levis to get hot behind center. The Gators secondary could be the deciding factor in the game Saturday.
Gives us your prediction on how this game will turn out?
AS: I see this as an old-school football game filled with a lot of running the football. Kentucky is dealing with injuries at running back and the Gators have the home field advantage on Saturday which leads me to lean towards Florida. I’m going Gators 24-21.
Nick: I think the Gators will have success running the football again. I’m going 31-21 Gators. The Gators do a better job of stopping the run and get at least one turnover.
Gentry: I think Florida makes their tweaks on defense as well as on offense in the passing game. Anthony Richardson and the Florida run game will lead to a Gator win somewhere in the ballpark of 32-17.
Brandon: It will start slow, but then it will become a wild west scene with two of the premiere quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference going at it, exchanging scoring drives late. Florida will win, 35-28.