
Last year’s fourth quarter collapse against the Florida Gators was a stain in the history of Kentucky’s football program. However, that stain can be washed away with a victory on Saturday.
In his sixth season, Mark Stoops says a win at The Swamp means more than just ending “The Streak.”
“We want to win some football games and they’re next on the schedule,” Stoops said during his Monday presser.
In terms of last year’s collapse, Stoops said his team will look more at Mississippi State film (current Florida head coach Dan Mullen’s former team) than last year’s game against Florida.
Kentucky enters the divisional matchup as a two touchdown underdog, but fans of the Bluegrass know point spreads don’t determine much in competitive matchups. Just look at the Kentucky-Louisville game in 2016, where Kentucky was a four touchdown underdog and came out with a win against Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.
A weakness of the Gators’ that should be key in Kentucky’s game-plan is Florida’s defense against the run. The Gators’ allowed four players of Charleston South to average more than four yards per carry in last week’s season opener.
Considering both AJ Rose and Benny Snell Jr. are bigger, faster and stronger backs, Kentucky should have an advantage in the trenches.
A lingering question that surrounds the Wildcats’ is what the quarterback production will consist of on Saturday night. Will starter Terry Wilson struggle early again? Will backup Gunnar Hoak receive a second opportunity to shine?
Time will eventually tell, but if anything is certain it’s that this game will be closer than most anticipate. Three of the last four games these two teams have played were decided by a touchdown or less.
With Kentucky putting a veteran defense on the field, along with a two-headed rushing attack, this may indeed be their best chance ever to conclude “The Streak.”
Kickoff is set for 7 P.M. EDT in Gainesville on Saturday with coverage on WKDZ 106.5 FM and online at wkdzradio.com.