Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
Florida is no longer the juggernaut program that they were under Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, but they are still chalked full of talent across the board. For the Wildcats to end the 30-year losing streak, they have to play a solid football game and limit mistakes. Let’s take a look at some keys to a Wildcat victory.
Take Care of the Football
Florida’s best offense has been their defense, as the Gators have returned three interceptions for touchdowns through two games. The Florida offense has scored only two touchdowns and one of those was a 63-yard Hail Mary to defeat Tennessee.
If Kentucky wants to emerge victoriously and climb the SEC ladder, they must take care of the football. This game will most likely be low scoring, so a defensive touchdown could swing the game.
Control the Time of Possession
The biggest reason the Wildcats looked so dominant versus South Carolina was because they controlled the clock. By the fourth quarter, the Gamecock defense was exhausted from being on the field so much. Kentucky needs the same type of effort versus Florida tonight.
Last week versus South Carolina, Kentucky sustained long drives. The play calling was the best it had been this season, as Eddie Gran mixed the run and the pass. The UK offense slowly picked apart the Gamecock defense with short runs and passes, never hitting the big play until the end of the game.
If Kentucky can move the ball and keep their defense fresh, I like the chances of ending the streak tonight at Kroger Field.
Win Special Teams
Austin MacGinnis has been great ever since he stepped foot on campus four years ago, but special teams play is the best it has been under Mark Stoops. MacGinnis connected on all three of his field goals attempted last Saturday, while South Carolina missed three and an extra point. Special teams decided that game, as the Gamecocks left 10 points on the field, the final margin of victory for Kentucky.
In addition to MacGinnis, punter Matt Panton has been excellent for the Wildcats. Punting was a weakness last season, but through three games, it is clear that is no longer an issue. When the UK offense fails to convert on third down and MacGinnis is outside of his range, Panton will need to flip the field for the UK defense.
Prevent the Big Play
I wonder if Tennessee had this on their keys to the game last week. The Volunteers had a mental breakdown, resulting in a Hail Mary touchdown on the games final play. However, most of that is credited to the Volunteers coaching staff.
Big plays happen throughout the game, but the Wildcats have to limit those big plays. Last week, the only big play the Wildcats surrendered was the first play of the game, a 68-yard touchdown strike. Kentucky quickly bounced back and kept the Gamecock offense in check.
Florida will make some big plays tonight, but Kentucky has to respond. The mentality has changed in the locker room and big plays no longer result in losses for Kentucky football.
If you give up a big play, you have to respond with a bigger one. The Wildcats did that last week with two interceptions and two stops on fourth and short. The same effort is needed tonight under the lights at Kroger Field.
Prediction
Kentucky 24, Florida 17
