It’s gameday in Gainesville. The Gators are riding high following their season opening victory in week one, but the task doesn’t get any easier in week two. Florida’s set to clash with Kentucky in the Swamp. With the Gators ranked 12th and the Wildcats 20th, it’s just the 2nd top 25 matchup between these two teams.
Gator Country gives you ten players to look out for in tonight’s matchup
1- SHEMAR JAMES
James logged 30 snaps in his Gators debut, and I expect to see him more in week two. Utah ran the ball often in week one, leaving Ventrell Miller on the field for most of the game. I expect Will Levis to test the Gators through the air and I believe James will be tasked with stopping that, particularly on 3rd down.
2- WILL LEVIS
If the Gators get beat on Saturday night, Levis is the reason why. Over 30 NFL scouts are in attendance to watch Levis and Richardson go head-to-head. Kentucky struggled to run the ball in week one. I don’t expect Kentucky to avoid running the football, but I do expect them to play to their strengths. I’m looking for Levis to try and expose the Gators untested DB room.
3- DEVIN MOORE
Yes, another true freshman on my watch list. Moore had a great game in his Gators debut. He logged 31 snaps and was in on the final drive and game-sealing interception. Moore made a great tackle on the final drive to keep Utah in bounds. Moore has a chance to solidify himself as a starter early on in the season.
4- TAYVION ROBINSON
Kentucky’s WR1 is certainly a player to look out for Saturday night. He went for 136 yards on six catches in week one. He’s an explosive playmaker that has serious speed. If he finds himself in open space, he could have a huge game. They will try to get Robinson the ball in a variety of ways. He’s also going to be returning punts for the Wildcats.
5- ANTHONY RICHARDSON
The Gators’ QB will always be a player to watch this season. Richardson put the nation on notice in week one, scoring 3 rushing touchdowns in the victory. His Heisman odds went from +4000 to +1400 after the game. With Kentucky hinting at stacking the box to stop the run, Richardson is going to have his chance to beat the Wildcats through the air on Saturday night.
6- BARRION BROWN
Barrion Brown is another Wildcat receiver to keep your eye on tonight. The true freshman had three catches for 45 yards in his college debut. However, his most impactful play was his 100-yard kick return for a touchdown. Brown can absolutely fly; Gators need to be careful on special teams tonight.
7- RICKY PEARSALL
Ricky Pearsall is just getting started as a Florida Gator. Pearsall led the Gators in receiving yards in week one and I expect him to do the same in week two. If you watched Richardson and Pearsall last week, you would never have guessed that was their first game playing together. If the Wildcats try and key in on the run, the Richardson-Pearsall connection will be alive once again.
8- KAVOSIEY SMOKE
Smoke has played in 34 games as a Wildcat, making just one start. Multiple injuries and a suspension in the Wildcat backfield should put Smoke in line for a TON of carries in week two. This is unfamiliar territory for Smoke. He’s never been the guy to lead the team in carries, but he’s going to have too tonight. Smoke is very capable and has produced when given the opportunities.
9- TREVOR ETIENNE
Gator fans should be excited about Trevor Etienne. He carried the ball five times for 64 yards in his Gators debut. Etienne moved up one spot on the depth chart, sitting with Montrell Johnson as the Gators #2 running back. Etienne played 14 snaps for the Gators; I expect to see him more often tonight.
10-JORDAN WRIGHT
The Wildcat edge rusher received clearance to play in the Swamp on Saturday night. Wright has been a force on defense for Kentucky, despite battling injuries throughout his career. He totaled 106 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, 15.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and two defensive touchdowns in his career.
HONORABLE MENTION – JJ WEAVER
LB JJ Weaver is Kentucky’s leader on defense, he’ll be all over the field tonight.