Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week 11 matchup at Kentucky with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to Florida’s offense vs. Kentucky
AS: Win the line of scrimmage and get the running game going early. Lagway is still struggling and putting the game on his shoulders right now isn’t the best way so winning at the line is huge.
GH: I think the key to this game will come down to how well Florida’s running game performs on Saturday behind the offensive line. The Gators have struggled through the air as of late, and Florida’s offense needs all the help they can get.
NM: Florida has to keep sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway standing on Saturday night. If the Gators can provide a clean pocket, they should be able to take advantage of a Kentucky pass defense that ranks 94th in the country. Kentucky is bringing a ton of momentum into this game after their seven-sack performance vs. Auburn last week.
What are the keys to Florida’s defense vs. Kentucky
AS: Shut down the running game, Kentucky averages over 140 yards a game on the ground so taking that away will be huge.
GH: You can’t let Kentucky wear you down on Saturday, and it starts with stopping the run. If the Gators can get the Wildcats into multiple third-and-long situations, the Gators have a good chance to dominate and create turnovers.
NM: Stopping the run almost ensures you a victory on Saturday. Kentucky’s passing offense, led by quarterback Cutter Boley, is not one that’s going to keep you up at night. The Wildcats have had slightly more success on the ground but still only average 3.81 yards per carry. If Florida’s defense continues playing like they have all season, the Wildcats won’t score very much.
Who’s one player you would like to receive more snaps in week 11?
AS: Naeshaun Montgomery. With the injuries at receiver, I would like to see Montgomery get some reps.
GH: Give me more of J’Vari Flowers. I think Flowers has shown a lot of promise this season and has only got better.
NM: I’m agreeing with Andrew on this one. Naeshaun Montgomery deserves an opportunity in week 11 after injuries to Eugene Wilson III and Dallas Wilson. Interim head coach Billy Gonzales has praised Montgomery’s last few weeks of practice, noting he’s ‘found his stride.’
Other keys to victory?
AS: Start fast, Kentucky is a team that if you let them stay in the game, they will wear you down so Florida needs to start fast.
GH: Limit the mistakes and create turnovers. Florida never played their best on the road under Billy Napier, and I expect that to change on Saturday.
NM: Win the turnover battle.
Florida is favored by 3.5 points vs. Kentucky. Give us your score prediction?
AS: Florida 27, Kentucky 13
GH: Florida 24, Kentucky 17
NM: Florida 23, Kentucky 10