Last meeting: Florida 36, Kentucky 30 (3OT) (2014)
All time series: Florida, 48-17
Time/TV: 7:30pm on SEC Network (also streaming on WatchESPN)
Pregame betting line: Florida, 4
Summer analysis and prediction: Florida 23, Kentucky 17.
What to watch for: Florida’s defense was not very good last week against ECU’s Air Raid, and Kentucky also runs the Air Raid. But the Gators’ defense was also missing Vernon Hargreaves and Keanu Neal in the secondary, and they’ll have both of them back against the Cats. Can Patrick Towles make enough plays in the air to win?
Florida key to the game: Martez Ivey’s return should help a little, but Florida’s offensive line is still considered a weakness by many. Yet if it doesn’t show up and provide #JordanSquared with running room and give Will Grier time to throw, Florida will probably lose this game. It’s up to you, big fellas. Let’s see what you’re made of.
Kentucky key to the game: Can the Wildcats force some turnovers? With a consistent leader in at QB, Florida’s offense figures to get into more of a rhythm, but turnovers are totally unpredictable and can happen at any time. And if the Cats can force and then capitalize on them, they could pull the upset.
Prediction: I’m really, really nervous about this game. I know Florida’s the more talented team, but sometimes things just happen that you can’t expect or predict. But I’ll go with the Gators in a sloppy, low scoring game that the Gators take over late. Florida 33, Kentucky 20