Sep 13, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles (14) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday September 19, 2015
- Time: 7:30PM Eastern
- Location: Lexington, KY
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Spread: Florida -3.5
- Over/Under Total: 52
Kentucky hasn’t beaten Florida in 28 years. You know who doesn’t care about a winning streak like that? The 100 or so players on each team’s respective roster and each member of the coaching staffs involved. Games that happened more than a quarter century ago have no bearing on the outcome of Saturday night’s matchup in Lexington.
Florida Gators
The Wildcats put an end to another long streak last week – 22 consecutive road losses in conference play – by beating South Carolina 26-22 in Columbia. A win over Florida this week would be a big step towards putting two others to bed: it’s been five years since UK has been bowl eligible and six since the Cats have had a winning record.
Kentucky has played well in the first half of games this season, building big leads over Louisiana-Lafayette and South Carolina before holding on for dear life in the second half. One major cause of concern is the Wildcats defense, which has allowed 448 yards per game so far.
The Gators are also 2-0 following a blowout victory over New Mexico State in Week 1 and a close call against East Carolina Saturday night. It’s hard to tell how Florida will respond after last week’s 31-24 victory, which included a sideline rant by head coach Jim McElwain directed towards (former) starting running back Kelvin Taylor, and a late fumble recovery by the defense that resulted in one Florida defender tackling another.
Plus, there are still questions at the quarterback position with Will Grier and Treon Harris both expected to play again, and we don’t yet know if All-American cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III will be available.
So no, a 28-year winning streak has no bearing on this week’s game. That said, expect Florida to make it 29 in a row – but barely. Take the Cats to cover.
Next: Ole Miss at Alabama