Rapid reaction: Florida squeaks by Kentucky in 36-30 OT win

Here are some quick thoughts regarding Florida’s SEC opening win against the Kentucky Wildcats.

What it means: Florida has improved, but still shows some of the same issues they had from a year ago. They do have a strong running back duo in Matt Jones and Kelvin Taylor and a reliable receiving target Demarcus Robinson However, quarterback Jeff Driskel still remains a liability until proven otherwise and discipline continues to be a huge issue for the Gators, who committed eight penalties for 78 yards. The Gators’ young secondary showed vulnerability to the deep ball as safety Jabari Gorman looked particularly bad in pass coverage and the defense missed out on several interceptions. Despite a victory, Will Muschamp’s hot seat arguably got even hotter after escaping with an overtime home victory against what many considered to be an inferior Kentucky team prior to the game. The winning streak against the Wildcats moves on to 28 games, but similar problems at Florida continue to haunt Muschamp and his coaching staff. Until the Gators prove otherwise, there’s no reason to believe this Florida squad is ready to be a serious contender for the SEC East.

What I liked: Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was easily the best part about this game for the Gators. The super sophomore followed up his outstanding season-debut with an even better second act – 15 receptions, 216 yards and two touchdowns.  Simply put, they don’t win this game without a big game from No. 11. There’s no doubt anymore about who the biggest playmaker on this Florida offense is heading into the Alabama game. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound receiver showcased athleticism and speed all over the field as he developed quite a rapport with quarterback Jeff Driskel. It’s clear Driskel has found his No. 1 receiver in Robinson.

What I didn’t like: With the exception of the passes to Demarcus Robinson, Driskel looked abysmal all night. He stared down wide receivers, made poor reads on several zone read option plays and continued to be inconsistent in his decision making. Blitz recognition was also an area in which Driskel struggled. Several instances throughout the game, Kentucky sent corner blitzes and about every time Driskel never saw it. Give credit to Kentucky for disguising its blitz packages well, but as a redshirt junior quarterback, Florida fans would hope his experience would lend to better play recognition at the line of scrimmage. Driskel battled, made the plays necessary for Florida to stay in the game, but certainly didn’t quell any looming question marks about his ability to lead Florida’s offense.

Key play: Driskel’s nine-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson in the first overtime was the biggest play of the game for Florida. It was nearly chaos as Driskel and the Gators offense struggled to just get the play off in time before a delay of game penalty. However, the redshirt quarterback made a perfect throw near the back corner of the endzone for who else – Demarcus Robinson. The touchdown kept the Gators in the game as they eventually pulled out the victory in the third overtime.

“I knew we had miscommunication when guys weren’t lined up, but we knew we had to get a play,” Driskel said after the game. “Demarcus [Robinson] just made another play like he did all night.”

What’s up next: It doesn’t get any easier for the Gators as they travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala. next week to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.