Wildcats attempt to rebound after Tennessee defeat.
16Powers.com
Kentucky returns home Saturday evening looking to regain momentum following last weekend’s disappointing 34-6 defeat against Tennessee.
The Wildcats entered that contest riding a six-game winning streak and occupying a favorable position in the Southeastern Conference championship race.
However, Tennessee’s overwhelming defensive performance exposed weaknesses in Kentucky’s offensive execution and prevented the Wildcats from reaching the end zone.
Kentucky enters Saturday’s matchup with Florida at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in conference competition.
Florida is 5-4 overall and 3-4 in the SEC after suffering a 23-7 home defeat against Oklahoma.
Both teams need improved offensive performances after struggling to move the football consistently last weekend.
Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey has generally enjoyed a productive season, passing for 1,979 yards and 14 touchdowns through nine games.
Minchey completed 26 of 34 passes against Tennessee but managed only 224 yards and failed to produce a touchdown.
The Wildcats struggled to establish an effective running attack, allowing Tennessee to concentrate on pressuring the quarterback.
Kentucky must improve its offensive balance against Florida.
Running back C.J. Baxter will be an important part of that effort. Baxter has rushed for 541 yards and eight touchdowns this season.
If Kentucky can establish productive rushing plays early, Minchey should find more favorable passing opportunities against Florida’s secondary.
Florida faces its own quarterback questions.
Tramell Jones Jr. struggled against Oklahoma, completing only 10 of 22 passes for 133 yards while throwing two interceptions.
Reports this week indicate that Florida is expected to return to Aaron Philo at quarterback against Kentucky. Philo began the season as the starter and has thrown for 1,367 yards and nine touchdowns.
That potential change could provide the Gators with a different offensive approach, although quarterback play alone will not solve Florida’s difficulties.
The Gators must improve their offensive line protection and develop a more consistent rushing attack.
Running back Jadan Baugh has rushed for 836 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, making him one of Florida’s most important offensive weapons.
Florida should attempt to establish Baugh early and prevent Kentucky from concentrating entirely on its passing attack.
Defensively, both teams have demonstrated vulnerabilities, particularly against opponents capable of establishing balanced offenses.
Kentucky has surrendered nearly 366 yards per game, while Florida has allowed approximately 367.
That suggests both teams should have opportunities to generate sustained offensive drives.
Turnovers could become especially important. Kentucky has generally protected the football effectively, while Florida has experienced costly giveaways during its recent struggles.
The Wildcats also benefit from playing at Kroger Field, where the home crowd should provide additional energy following the disappointing Tennessee performance.
Florida certainly possesses enough talent to compete, and the Gators are fighting to secure bowl eligibility.
However, Kentucky has demonstrated greater consistency throughout the season, and the Wildcats should respond positively to last weekend’s defeat.
Look for Minchey to produce a more efficient passing performance while Baxter helps Kentucky establish offensive balance.
The Gators should keep the contest competitive, but the Wildcats appear better positioned to make the important fourth-quarter plays.
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16POWERS PREDICTION
Kentucky 30, Florida 20
