Five storylines to follow in Florida's matchup with Kentucky
Before every Florida game, Gators Online Senior Writer Zach Abolverdi comes up with five pertinent questions for the matchup. Here’s Week 2 against Kentucky:
Does Anthony Richardson outduel Kentucky QB Will Levis?
NFL analysts, coaches and scouts will be tuned in to this game to see a pair of projected first-round picks in Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis. Some mock drafts have Levis going higher than Richardson, who has some bulletin board material in his locker of the “Top 4 SEC Quarterbacks”, a list that includes Levis and not him. This week Levis has downplayed the NFL hype around his matchup against Richardson, but UF’s signal caller clearly has a point to prove in The Swamp.
Will Florida find rushing success against UK and avoid fumbles?
The Gators racked up 283 yards on the ground against Utah, led by Richardson with 106. They have the 14th-best rushing offense in the nation right now but did put the ball on the ground twice. Kentucky coach Mark Stoops and his defense will provide another formidable test, and perhaps an even tougher one. The Wildcats have the No. 1 rushing defense in the SEC through the first week of the season, holding Miami (Ohio) to 111 yards. Linebacker JJ Weaver said they will have a QB spy on Richardson. “He’s not going to be able to do none of that against us.”
Can UF get after Levis, who was sacked four times last week?
Florida’s front seven has to be chomping at the bit heading into this matchup. The Gators had five quarterback hurries against Utah’s Cameron Rising but didn’t get any sacks on him. Moreover, he rushed for 91 yards on seven carries including a 29-yard run on third-and-7 late in the fourth. Levis won’t do damage with his legs and require a spy, so UF needs to take advantage when his pocket collapses or protection breaks down. The Wildcats gave up four sacks on Levis (tied for the most allowed in the SEC) against Miami (OH).
Can Florida stop the run against UK, especially in the second half?
One cause for concern in Florida’s season opener was the run defense. The Gators held Utah to 59 yards rushing during the first two quarters but got gashed in the second half for 171 yards. The Utes imposed their will on the ground with Tavion Thomas, who led all ball carriers with 115 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per pop. Kentucky rushed for just 50 yards last week and still doesn’t have suspended starting running back Chris Rodriguez. Florida’s run defense has opportunity to bounce back with this matchup.
Will the Gators make their first “game-changing” play?
One unit that didn’t make any waves last week was UF’s special teams, aka “GameChangers”. Florida returned five kickoffs for 81 yards and did not have any punt returns or field goal attempts. Jeremy Crawshaw, GatorMade’s latest Wuerffel Man of the Month, had two punts downed inside the 20, but that was about it. Billy Napier puts a premium on special teams, and the Gators could use a “game-changing” play in their SEC opener. The last time Kentucky visited The Swamp, Kadarius Toney scored a 50-yard touchdown on a punt return fake-out.
