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.
Kentucky Football had a great day defensively.
The Wildcats were outstanding defensively. The Gators were in second and long most of the afternoon, forcing Mertz and the offense to throw more often than they wanted. As a result, Florida had to convert third downs, which they did not do very well. The Gators went 4-13 on third downs.
Kentucky’s defensive dominance begins along the line of scrimmage. The Wildcats registered nine tackles for loss, including three sacks. Quarterback Graham Mertz was efficient, completing 85% of his passes, but over half of their yards came on both scoring drives.
Florida went on a 75-yard scoring drive at the start of the second half. Their subsequent three drives totaled 69 yards. Their last two drives ended on downs.
Florida’s defensive line was dominated.
Florida’s defensive line could not touch quarterback Devin Leary or Ray Davis. Leary was not sacked, and Davis averaged over 10 yards per rush attempt. The Wildcats’ best offensive weapon was not Davis or Leary, but its offensive line.
Florida had been able to establish the line of scrimmage and set the edge defensively in its previous two games but could not today. They did an excellent job against Kentucky’s pass game, but that did not matter much.
What’s next for Kentucky Football?
As everyone looks for a possible contender/test for the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, the Wildcats look to establish itself as a suitor in the SEC East. It might sound cliche, but two things travel well: good defense and a running game. The Wildcats look to have both. Kentucky’s offensive line was dominant this afternoon.
Davis averaging over 10 yards per carry means he was at the second level consistently before getting touched. The Wildcats don’t have to wait long to test how they measure up to the Georgia Bulldogs. They travel between the hedges next weekend.
What’s next for Florida Football?
The Gators have a plan for success: Run the football, take what the defense gives in the passing game, and lean on its opponents on the line of scrimmage. They played that way against Tennessee and had success. They did not play that way today against the Wildcats and were defeated handily.
As Napier and his staff rebuild the roster to compete in the SEC, their margin for victory is small. If they can’t establish the line of scrimmage and use their two dynamic running backs, it will be tough sledding. The Gators host Vanderbilt next weekend.