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Using ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) as a guide, Florida has a 84.1 percent chance to beat Kentucky on Saturday.
FLORIDA’S PASS RUSH KEY TO VICTORY
1986. That was the last year Kentucky defeated the Florida Gators. Since then it’s been all Orange and Blue in this series, but the Wildcats come into The Swamp this weekend determined to turn things around.
Much has been made regarding the improvements Kentucky has made in just head coach Mark Stoop’s second season (and for good reason). The Cats boast the most explosive plays in the SEC in the first two weeks of the season and their early season success can be attributed to the speed and athleticism they possess on both sides of the ball.
The defensive line and secondary are led by Bud Dupree and AJ Stamps, while offensively, quarterback Patrick Towles and playmakers Ryan Timmons, Javess Blue, Jojo Kemp and Braylon Heard are really turning some heads. However, the one area where Kentucky is most vulnerable is the offensive line.
And for the Gators, that’s the weakness they’ll need to exploit. Kentucky comes into the game tied for the conference lead with five sacks allowed. It is early, but the Florida front seven showed no mercy against Eastern Michigan in their season-opener, recording nine tackles for loss and three sacks.
For Kentucky, Towles has yet to turn the ball over, which has been another key to the Wildcats’ strong start. A disruptive pass rush would force Towles into some bad situations and he’ll have to make some quick decisions. How will he respond? Saturday will be his first big test of the season in front of a hostile crowd. Logic tells you that pressure from defense should rattle him and will force him to make mistakes.
The more Dante Fowler and company are able to get into the backfield, the better Florida puts itself in a position to win.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
