Week 8: Florida at Kentucky

Kentucky made a huge statement last Saturday, knocking off the No. 1 team in the land. The reward? A date with Florida, which might be even better than LSU.

“You look at some of the games they’ve played, especially what they did to Tennessee on both sides of the ball, it’s scary,” said UK coach Rich Brooks. “LSU on the road, they had them down 10 going into the fourth quarter, and to do that on the road is very special.”

Kentucky has shown some decent offensive balance, but you’d have to think we will see more of Andre’ Woodson than usual. Florida has been pretty solid on defense — giving up an average of 23 points in SEC play — but the Gators have been vulnerable against the pass. They’ve allowed at least 225 yards passing in four of six games, including 310 to Ole Miss and 227 to a ground-oriented Auburn team. With receivers Dicky Lyons, Steve Johnson and Keenan Burton as well as tight end Jacob Tamme, Kentucky can be a very difficult to defend — especially for a young secondary.

While Kentucky is certain to score some points, the Florida Gators also know something about putting the ball in the end zone. And Urban Meyer & Co. are no doubt thrilled to have Auburn and LSU in their rear view mirror. Florida averaged over 500 yards in its first four games but was held to 312 by Auburn and 314 by LSU, the two best defenses in the SEC — and maybe the entire nation.

Kentucky is much-improved on defense, but this is still a team that will give up a ton of yards. The Cats allowed 453 vs. Kent State, 467 to Louisville, 495 to Arkansas and 403 to LSU. In the Kent State game, dual-threat quarterback Julian Edelman had a big day, rushing for 135 yards and throwing for 129. While Edelman is a fine quarterback, it’s fair to say that Tim Tebow offers a bit more of a challenge.

“With (Tim) Tebow running the option and the zone running game, as well as being an outstanding thrower to a very talented group of receivers, we obviously have our work cut out for us on that side of the ball,” Brooks said.”

Kentucky has proved its doubters wrong all season, from the win over Louisville (before we knew Louisville wasn’t very good) to the gutsy road win at Arkansas to the landmark victory over Florida. Do the Cats have another surprise in them? Can they complete what would be the greatest two-week stretch in school history?

The guess here is no. Florida, with two weeks to prepare, will come in with a great offensive gameplan and put up too many points on the UK defense. 

Florida by 10