Florida vs Kentucky: Preview, prediction, live stream and more

Kentucky football faces it’s second SEC opponent of the year in Florida, looking to prove itself as a contender. Here’s our preview of the match-up.

Kentucky has looked pretty good through the first three games of the season. The Wildcat defense has worked tirelessly and as a result rank third nationally in rush defense. They held South Carolina to a startling 54 rushing yards last week in the victory over the Gamecocks. The team hasn’t given up a 100 yard rushing game yet this season. That’s a pretty big plus for the Wildcats to have in their back pockets as they welcome the Gators to town.

The Gators have won 30 straight over Kentucky, dating back to 1986. There have been close calls and huge blowouts and just about everything in between, but the Wildcats just can’t seem to figure out Florida. However, many believe that this season, this match up will be different.

Speaking of Florida, they haven’t been as dominant as in recent years. To start, the team has nine players suspended indefinitely while they undergo police investigations.Reports have surfaced that the nine players could be arrested by the end of the week. Not a great look for the Gators for sure.

In week one, Michigan pushed past Florida, 33-17. Starting quarterback Feleipe Franks struggled and was entirely ineffective against Michigan. The offensive line surrendered six sacks, which isn’t a good look when playing Kentucky next who has excellent defense so far this season.

The Gators won on a Hail Mary against Tennessee last weekend, though it shouldn’t have come down to that. Florida blew a ten point lead in the final five minutes. The Gators will for sure need more than a lucky throw to beat the Wildcats on Saturday.

Here is how you can watch Saturday’s Florida vs Kentucky matchup:

Date: Saturday Sept. 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Lexington, Ky.
Venue: Kroger Field
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For Florida, they have to find confidence and a way to run on Kentucky. To date, the Florida offensive line has struggled to make holes and protect Feleipe Franks. His arm strength was shown on the big stage against Tennessee as his improbable Hail Mary fell into the arms of Tyrie Cleveland. Franks will have to be confident and consistent to take down Kentucky.

Their defense will also have to find an identity and stick to it. The unit has been pushed around by the likes of Michigan and Tennessee and has a lot of work to do to prepare for Stephen Johnson and the Wildcats.

For Kentucky, they just have to play their game. They have to push the pressure of the game and the losing streak out of their minds and just play. This defense has been strong and overpowering to anyone that they have played so far this season and they need to keep that up.

This game is very winnable for either team, but it will come down to who takes offensive control and keeps it. Florida blew a late lead to Tennessee and it almost cost them a victory. Kentucky has been good, but not great offensively. Whoever controls the ball and the clock will be the victor of this game.

Prediction

Both teams have the strength and talent to win this game, but like I said before it will come down to ball control. Kentucky’s rushing defense will give the Gators fits, making their offensive schemes a lot harder to run.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 3

While both teams are talented, it seems that Florida’s weaknesses match up well with Kentucky’s strengths. As a result of that, I see Kentucky finally pulling this one out and finding themselves at 4-0, poised at the top of the SEC East. Though it may come down to Austin MacGinnis’ leg once again, the Wildcats have no issue with that.

Final Score: Kentucky 20, Florida 17

Home/Florida Gators