Kentucky’s offense took a big blow on Saturday as starting quarterback Terry Wilson suffered a season-ending left knee injury in the Wildcats’ victory over Eastern Michigan.

Now Mark Stoops and company will rely on transfer Sawyer Smith to get the job done under center, and according to Stoops, the team will rally behind the former Troy Trojan despite missing Wilson. Smith joined the Wildcat program as a graduate transfer this offseason after appearing in 13 games and making seven starts for Troy.

“Guys feel for them because they know the amount of work he put in and we have a lot of confidence in him,” Stoops said on Monday. “But the guys believe in Sawyer and we’re going to play to win no matter who is playing. Everybody better get that straight right now. We’re sad for Terry and it stinks because it’s part of our game, but believe me, we’re going back to work with the intent to win a football game next week, and that’s the way we’re going to approach it every week.”

The Wildcats host No. 9 Florida in Kroger Field on Saturday, and for the first time since 1987, will take the field as the previous winner against the Gators, breaking the 31-year losing streak to the SEC East rival last season in a 27-16 victory in Gainesville.

Offensive coordinator Eddie Gran will have a new signal-caller, but not one without experience. In 13 games last season at Troy, Smith threw for 1,669 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for a score.