Billy Napier updates Micah Mazzccua's status, previews Kentucky
Billy Napier and No. 22 Florida will have their first SEC road test of the season when they travel to take on Kentucky in Week 5.
The Gators took care of business against visiting Charlotte with a 22-7 victory last weekend. Now, it’s on a matchup against the undefeated Wildcats.
Despite Kentucky being unranked with a 4-0 record, Florida’s head coach understands they’ll have to bring their A game in Lexington.
"This is a big week. Kentucky has a really good football team and we have a lot of respect for coach Stoops… it's a tough place to play."'
Napier said Florida's players are aware of the challenge Kentucky poses.
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) September 25, 2023
Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 45-28 in their SEC opener in Week 4.
“This is a big week,” Napier said. “Kentucky has a really good football team and we have a lot of respect for coach Stoops… it’s a tough place to play.”‘
On a positive note, Napier confirmed that guard Micah Mazzccua is back in the lineup after being suspended last weekend.
Billy Napier says guard Micah Mazzccua will be back for Florida this week following a first half SEC suspension, second half team suspension in Week 4.
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) September 25, 2023
Napier also addressed Florida’s special teams unit. Florida kicker Trey Smack converted all 5 of his field goals, including a 54-yarder.
Asked for his assessment of special teams through 4 games, Napier said he is pretty satisfied:
"I think that we took a step forward Saturday. We're getting better specialist play and we took a step forward on Saturday.
"We have to eliminate some of these communication errors."
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) September 25, 2023
“I think that we took a step forward Saturday. We’re getting better specialist play and we took a step forward on Saturday,” Napier said. “We have to eliminate some of these communication errors.”
Florida leads the all-time series 53-20 vs. Kentucky. However, the Wildcats have taken the last 2 meetings. Florida at Kentucky is slated for Sept. 30 at noon EST and will be televised on ESPN.