The Florida Gators put the nation on notice last week, defeating #7 ranked Utah in the Swamp on Saturday night. The Gators victory launched them to #12 in the AP Poll, the best debut for an unranked team since 2016.
The Gators have another difficult task in week two as they are set to clash with #20 ranked Kentucky Wildcats.
Kentucky is coming off a win in week one, taking care of business in Lexington 37-10 against Miami of Ohio.
Kentucky had a great season last year, finishing with a 10-3 record and ending the season with a victory over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. The Wildcats beat Florida 20-13 a season ago.
Head coach Mark Stoops and the Wildcats have to travel to Gainesville this time around. With both teams looking to start off SEC play with a win, you can expect a physical and entertaining matchup.
MARK STOOPS
Stoops is entering his 10th year as head football coach of Kentucky, making him the program’s longest-tenured head coach. Stoops holds a 60-53 record for the Wildcats, tying Bear Bryant for the most wins in program history. Kentucky has had many up and down years as of late, but Stoops is credited with turning Kentucky’s program around and making them relevant again.
Stoops won SEC coach of the year in 2018 for leading the Wildcats to a 10-win season, his second in the last four years.
OFFENSE
Stoops has his most talented QB yet in Will Levis. Levis holds a bigger frame, standing at 6-3, 232 pounds. Levis completed 66% of his passes a season ago for 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. His 13 interceptions tied Emory Jones for the most INTs thrown in the SEC last season. Levis affects the game in more ways than one, adding nine touchdowns and 376 yards rushing last year.
Kentucky running backs struggled mightily behind a poor performance from their offensive line, mustering just 50 yards on 29 attempts. Levis was sacked four times in the Wildcats week one victory.
Kentucky will have three scholarship running backs unavailable against Florida. Ramon Jefferson (Injury), Chris Rodriguez (Suspension), and JuTahn McClain (Injury) will all be absent Saturday night. That leaves Kentucky with Kavosiey Smoke and La’Vell Wright in the backfield.
Smoke has played in 34 games for Kentucky but has made just one start. This is uncharted territory, even for the veteran RB returning for his fifth season. Smoke is a very capable running back and has produced when given opportunities. He’s not going to be familiar with playing the number of snaps he’s going to receive on Saturday.
La’Vell Wright will also see the football. He has just 11 carries in his career at Kentucky, that includes two rushes in week one.
Wide receivers Tayvion Robinson and Barrion Brown are two more players to look out for. These guys have serious speed and will have a major impact on Kentucky’s offense and special teams.
Robinson is a transfer from Virginia Tech, where he produced every year for the Hokies. Robinsons had over 500 total yards in every season he’s played college football. He didn’t disappoint in week one of 2022, catching six passes for 136 yards.
You can’t sleep on true freshman Barrion Brown either. Brown had 3 catches for 45 yards while also returning a 100-yard kickoff for a touchdown in his college debut.
Gator defensive backs will have their hands full trying to keep these receivers in front of them.
DEFENSE
Kentucky allowed 372 yards a game last season, ranking 5th in the SEC in that category.
Kentucky’s defense is led by linebacker JJ Weaver. The junior produced on the field last year for the Wildcats, totaling 34 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two interceptions in just six starts. His production landed him on third-team All-SEC at the end of the year.
Kentucky’s starting edge rusher Jordan Wright has been cleared to play after eligibility issues. He’s had a productive career with the Wildcats, despite battling injuries.
Kentucky forced two turnovers in week one, both of them being forced fumbles. With the Gators fumbling twice in week one (recovered one), this is something to keep an eye on.
The Wildcats will bring physicality on defense. Gators’ center Kingsley Eguakun said that Kentucky’s defensive line is bigger than Utah’s, claiming they will be harder to push around.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kentucky’s Special Teams unit is the reason the Wildcats beat the Gators last season. They also performed exceptionally well in week one, blocking a punt and returning a kickoff for a TD.
Kentucky’s kicker Matt Ruffolo connected on three field goals, including one from 50 yards.
Tayvion Robinson handled the punt return duties in week one and Barrion Brown handled kick returns.
The Gators need to be careful here, these are two guys that can flip the momentum with one big play.
BREAKDOWN
Kentucky is going to be well-prepared for this game, that’s the bottom line. Their offensive line played very poorly in week one, but I expect them to play better on Saturday night.
Gators are going to see an approach that they didn’t see much of in week one. Will Levis is going to drop back to pass 30-40 times and test the Gators’ defensive backs. The Gators’ defensive line will get a chance to get to the QB, something they didn’t do last week.
If the Gators can stop the run and make Kentucky one dimensional, the Gators will roll on Saturday night. 31-21 Gators.