5 Things You Need to Know About the Florida Gators

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Expectations are as high as ever around Big Blue Nation. Fans of the Kentucky Wildcats are heading into Gainesville on Saturday night expecting to beat the Florida Gators. That sentence isn’t something we’ve been able to type on this website very often. The ultimate goal for 2022 is to play Georgia at Kroger Field for the SEC East on November 19th. However, in order to make that game a reality, these are the type of games the ‘Cats need to win. If Kentucky wants to earn the right to be in the SEC East conversation they need to win at The Swamp.

After a 37-13 victory in Week One over Miami (Ohio) the overall sentiment seemed to temper nationwide for the Wildcats. Despite comfortably covering the spread against a potential MAC champion, fans and talking heads alike were left wanting a little more. Conversely, Florida came away with one of the more impressive Week One victories taking down #7 Utah 29-26. The public has heavily come in on the Gators this week putting Coach Mark Stoops and company in the underdog role once again.

As always, we have a ton of coverage leading into Saturday’s big game in The Swamp on KSR. First, check out Adam Luckett’s in-depth Scouting Report. Then, go read Freddie Maggard’s take on How Kentucky Beats Florida. Throughout the day Saturday there will be more preview content as well so stay tuned to the website. Now, let’s dive in to five things you need to know about the Florida Gators.

Star Quarterback – Anthony Richardson

New Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier turned the keys to the offense over to Anthony Richardson and appears to have a star on his hands. The 6’4″ 232 pound redshirt sophomore will battle it out with Will Levis in front of a ton of NFL Scouts in Gainesville on Saturday night. Richardson completed 17 of 24 passes in the Gators win over Utah for 168 yards. He also gained 106 yards on the ground in just 11 attempts including three touchdowns. The physical specimen is really hard to stop in the red zone and slowing him down will be a major key for the Wildcats.

There isn’t really a ton else to write about Richardson. He is a great football player. His presence as a true pocket quarterback isn’t necessarily his strong suit, but what he can do with his legs makes him incredibly dangerous. Getting Jordan Wright back on the Kentucky defense should help to set the edge and keep the big opposing QB contained. However, it is a tall task going against a potential Heisman candidate and First Round Draft pick. Either Richardson or Levis will take a step forward nationally on Saturday night.

Gators Rushing Attack Produces Explosive Plays

We’ve already touched on what quarterback Anthony Richardson brings to the run game. However, the Florida Gators got excellent production from their running backs last Saturday against Utah as well. Montrell Johnson Jr. led the balanced attacked with 12 carries last week producing 76 yards and one score. The true sophomore came with Napier from Louisiana. After Richardson’s 11 carries, redshirt junior Nay’Quan Wright was next with 10 carries for 41 yards. Finally, true freshman Trevor Etienne flashed his playmaking ability against the Utes. The younger brother of first round NFL Draft pick Travis Etienne, the Gators star recruit took five carries for 64 yards in his debut. That is nearly 13 yards a carry with a long of 21.

In total, the Florida running backs carried the ball 27 times for 178 yards on Saturday. In terms of chunk plays, the position group notched eight carries for over 10 yards. When you sprinkle in what Richardson did on the ground from the QB position, the Gators recorded 287 yards and four rushing touchdowns. The Kentucky defense must keep Saturday night’s opponent under the 7.3 yards per attempt they achieved in Week One. This will be an excellent test for the ‘Cats defense early in the season.

Veteran Offensive Line

There is a reason why Anthony Richardson wasn’t sacked and the Florida Gators gained 287 yards on the ground. It is because they have a veteran, and talented, offensive line. Three starters returned from last season’s group and Billy Napier brought a stud with him in O’Cyrus Torrence from Louisiana. The 6’5″ 347 pound senior right guard has a chance to be one of the top offensive guards taken in the NFL Draft.

Playing alongside the transfer in the middle three are center Kingsley Eguakun and Ethan White at left guard. Eguakun is a 6’3″ 301 pound redshirt junior and White is also a redshirt junior at 6’4″ 331 pounds. Between the size and talent of the interior offensive line it will pose a real challenge for the Kentucky pass rush. The Wildcats defensive line failed to record a sack against Miami (Ohio) in the home opener. That will need to change in Gainesville in order to come away with a victory.

Florida Features Pair of Talented D-Linemen

There was a lot of talk about Kentucky’s struggles on the offensive line in Week One. Now, the Wildcats will face a serious jump in talent from Miami (Ohio) to the Florida Gators. Billy Napier’s defensive front is led by veteran Brenton Cox Jr. on the edge. The 6’3″ 252 pound redshirt senior has started the last 26 games for Florida and produced 25 tackles for loss. Against Utah in Week One, Cox recorded nine tackles and a forced fumble to go along with three hits on the quarterback. Kentucky’s offensive line will have to step up to keep the pressure off of Will Levis. It will likely require some help from the tight ends and running backs to do so.

On the interior of the defensive line is massive 6’6″ 312 pound Gervon Dexter Sr. The former top 10 recruit in the Class of 2020 can be disruptive force up front with his length. Dexter Sr. recorded five tackles last weekend against Utah. Those two will pose a pass rush and run stuffing threat for the inexperienced Kentucky offensive line. As with most big games, Saturday’s matchup in Gainesville could be won or lost in the trenches.

Some Talent, Experience in Gators Secondary

The Florida Gators start a pair of safeties that have started games since they were freshmen. Trey Dean III is a super senior led the team in tackles against Utah with 12 and will play an active role in Saturday’s game. He registered 92 tackles, an interception, and 10 passes defended a year ago for the Gators. His running mate at the backend of the defense is junior Rashad Torrence II. The Atlanta, Georgia native was a big play creator last season recording three interceptions and five other passes defended. He also recorded 87 tackles as a true sophomore. Look for both of these safeties to play a big role in the run and pass game against the ‘Cats.