The Kentucky Wildcats are coming into this affair with a 2-0 record. The Wildcats have knocked off semi-rival Miami(OH) at a neutral site, as well as an actual rival in Louisville. Two things that Kentucky does well: run the football and rush the quarterback. Two things they don't do well: pass the ball and beat the Gators.
Kentucky is the only SEC East team that the Gators have not lost to since 1990. The winning streak even dates back further than that. In fact, the last time Kentucky beat Florida, Billy Gillespie only had 2 DUI's.
There has been a surprising amount of talk coming from Lexington this week. This article does a good job of explaining why Kentucky has a significant hatred for us Gators. Some of the comments suggest that the Wildcat fans are hoping for an upset. Good luck with that.
5 Keys to the Game
1. Throw the deep ball - Last week against Tennessee, the Gators passing attack did not attack down field once all game long. I don't care what Urban says about the flu or the other team's game plan, there is no excuse for that lack of productivity. There is too much talent and way too much speed to take a shot down field at least a handful of times a game. Kentucky gets after the QB so throwing the deep ball can help slow the rush a bit.
2. Avoid Trevard Lindley - If and when the Gators feel like attacking down field, they need to make sure it is to the opposite side of the field of Trevard Lindley. Lindley is a monster at CB. He is probably the lone player in the Wildcat secondary that could crack the Orange and Blue's two deep. He's even touted by some as the first CB taken in next year's draft.
3, Stop the run - As I've said previously, Kentucky runs the ball very well. It will be imperative that the Gators are able to establish a good defense against the run on Saturday. Against the Vols last week, Monterio Hardesty and Bryce Brown pretty much gashed the Gators' D all game long. If the Wildcats can't run the ball, Rich Brooks and company will be in for a very long day.
4. Give the freakin' ball to Moody - Manny got nice with it the only time he touched the ball against the Vols. Going to Moody early in the game showed that Meyer still has confidence in the USC transfer despite his fumble against Troy the previous week. You know what would be an even better way of showing you still have confidence in the guy? Give him the ball 10-15 times against Kentucky!
5. Pack plenty of hand sanitizer - Our recent struggles with the flu coupled with the overall dirtiness of Kentucky should equal a bus load of hand sanitizer for the Gators. We don't need to lose anyone else to illness.
5 Gators that need to step up
1. Aaron Hernandez - I'm starting to get a little tired of this whole "Aaron Hernandez is the greatest thing to hit the field not named Tebow since the forward pass." I like Hernandez and I know that he has the potential to be one of the best to ever wear the Orange and Blue. Lately, however, Hernandez has resembled Markell Thompson more closely than CI.
2. Jeff Demps - We saw how much the Gators offense can struggle when Demps isn't 100 percent. The funny thing is, Demps was one of the few bright spots on the offensive side of the ball despite his illness. It would be nice for Demps to have a repeat performance of last season's game vs. Kentucky
3. Brandon Spikes - Like Hernandez, Spikes has not played up to his capabilities fully this season. Some of that has to do with the Gator's weaker schedule as well as Spikes' own health issues. However, Spikes should be the main presence for the Gators when he's on the field, no matter what condition. That has not been the case thus far. There have been times when I wouldn't see Spikes for several series because he simply did not stand out.
4. Carlos Dunlap - Dunlap was just named to the Ted Hendricks Top Defensive End Award list on Wednesday. Time for Los to take a step in the direction of taking the award home.
5. Jaye Howard - Howard is someone who has been impressing me all season long. I hope that continues this week as Howard will be vital in the Gators' effort to stop the Kentucky rushing attack. Let's just hope that if he does stop the run, he won't get penalized for excessive celebration, deserving or not.
Here's some highlights from last season's thrilling, fight to the finish victory. It was also Mr. Two-Bits' last game.
Apparently Kentucky fans feel that Monte Kiffin showed them the way. They have seen the light. Sort of.
My Prediction
Florida - 34
Kentucky - 14
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