Kentucky Football: 3 Takeaways from home win against #22 Florida

Kentucky football runs all over #22 Florida this afternoon. 

Vanderbilt transfer Ray Davis gave the Gators an omen of things to come early in the game. Davis ran for 33 of his career-high 280 yards on his first three carries. He ended the day with three touchdowns and was the centerpiece of Kentucky’s offense. With quarterback Devin Leary throwing for 69 yards, they needed all of Davis’ yards.

This afternoon’s game was critical in establishing a possible challenger to #1 Georgia in the SEC East.

The Gators struggled offensively most of the afternoon. Florida quarterback Graham Mertz threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns but one interception. However, the Gators could not run on Kentucky’s stout defensive front.

The Wildcats scored on its first four possessions and never looked back. Here are some takeaways from today’s game.

Kentucky played the way Florida wanted to play.

The Gators showed their winning formula against Tennessee. They want to start fast, play smart, and lean on its big offensive line. Kentucky was having none of that. The Wildcats allowed 69 rushing yards and 2.4 yards per rush. After a punt, the Gators turned the football over on its second possession of the game.

On the other hand, Kentucky came out of the gates white hot. Three of its first four drives were 80, 81, and 90 yards. Florida wanted to force the Wildcats to drive the length of the field, and they responded in kind. Quarterback Devin Leary struggled to throw the football but did not turn the ball over.

Today was the Ray Davis show for Kentucky. His career day allowed the Wildcats to grind the clock, lean on their defense, and shorten the game.

Florida, on the other hand, took a long time to get going. Their first five drives — four punts and an interception — totaled 59 yards. The Gators did not get off the mat until late in the second quarter.