Biggest Storylines: Gators open up SEC play against Kentucky
By Drew Laing
Published:
Conference play begins tonight for both the Florida Gators and Kentucky Wildcats, who will square off in The Swamp tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. Florida has won 27-games in a row against Kentucky with UK’s last win against the Orange and Blue coming in 1986.
Here are the biggest storylines facing the Gators in their matchup against the Wildcats.
#PrayforJoJo
Kentucky running back Jojo Kemp made headlines earlier this week when he guaranteed a victory in The Swamp to reporters and said it would be fun to rub in the faces of his UF friends. The following day, Jojo Kemp and his quote appeared on posters around the UF locker room. Clearly, the Gators heard what he had to say.
Now, thanks to Paul Finebaum on SEC Nation, #PrayforJojo is now a thing on Twitter. With starting running back Braylon Heard dealing with an injury, Kemp should see a bump in touches tonight, so you can bet the Florida defense will look to make a point or two against the 5-foot-10 sophomore back.
Offensive line against Kentucky’s defensive ends
The Gators’ offensive line looked much better in the season-opener, allowing no sacks and just three tackles for loss throughout the entire game. No matter what, Kentucky was going to present a challenge for Florida, with guys like Alvin “Bud” Dupree, Jason Hatcher and Za’Darius Smith.
Now with DJ Humphries out due to an injury, tackle Rod Johnson will make his collegiate start at right tackles and Chaz Green will shift over to left tackle. Johnson is a talented sophomore, but that’s an awfully tough task for him having to block the athletic UK ends in his first start. It’ll certainly be a matchup worth watching tonight.
What kind of impact will Braylon Heard and Javess Blue have?
Kentucky’s two biggest playmakers made the trip to Gainesville, but both are dealing with sprained ankles. If they do play, what kind of impact can they have? Both missed last week’s game against Ohio and UK only scored 20 points after a 59-point outburst against UT Martin.
There’s no doubt the Wildcats will need big plays against the Gators to have a shot at ending the 27-game winning streak tonight. However, if Heard and Blue are unable to go full-speed, Kentucky could have some real trouble manufacturing any offense against an athletic and stingy Florida defense.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
