For 31 consecutive years — and in every way possible — the Kentucky Wildcats have lost to the Gators. Finally, fortunes shown Kentucky’s way down in “The Swamp.” Let’s recap the action as Kentucky Breaks The Streak By Beating Florida 27-16.
Kentucky Breaks The Streak By Beating Florida 27-16
The Ground Attack Led The Way
Going into the contest the Wildcats had to control the ball in order to win. Behind Benny Snell the Cats did just that. The junior led the way with 175 yards on 25 carries. That’s a six-and-a-half yard per carry average against that is usually one of the toughest defenses in the SEC.
In addition quarterback Terry Wilson added 105 yards and a touchdown. For the game the Cats ran for 303 yards averaging over seven yards per rush.
Making The Big Plays
Kentucky trailed 10-7 at the half although they should have been in the lead. Wilson fumbled close to field goal range and threw an interception near the goal line.
However in the second half, the junior college transfer turned it around. He ran for a 24 yard score and then later hit Lynn Bowden on a perfect 54 yard touchdown that put the Cats up 21-10.
https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/1038608874239082496
Furthermore, the Cats even got a break from the officials. Evan McPherson’s 36-yard field goal was ruled wide right. Replays showed the kick appeared to cross inside the right upright. Perhaps it was a poetic justice to the missed delay of game call in 2014.
The Defense Comes Up Big
For much of the game the Kentucky defense held the Gators offense in check. Finally, in the fourth quarter Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks was able to get them going.
However, Darius West stopped one drive with an interception and the Cats held on a two point conversion late in the game.
In true Kentucky football fashion the game came down to the last play. Josh Allen hit Franks as he threw the ball and Davonte Robinson picked it up and ran it towards the goal line. The play was never blown dead and Robinson ended up with a touchdown. Mark Stoops got his Gatorade bath and the celebration was on as Kentucky Breaks The Streak By Beating Florida 27-16.
Mark Stoops just cemented himself in Kentucky Football legacy pic.twitter.com/SIIhE5yuhI
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) September 9, 2018
What This Means For Kentucky
Without question this is a huge moment for the program and Coach Stoops. Kentucky has had six coaches since last beating Florida 10-3 back in November of 1986. Now the job of the staff is too carry over the momentum from this win.
The Cats should get serious Top 25 consideration this week. They look to go 3-0 in what should be an easy win against Murray State. After that business picks up considerably as they host Mississippi State and South Carolina. Following that they head to College Station to battle Texas A&M.
Howver for now 31 years of demons have been exorcised as Kentucky Breaks The Streak By Beating Florida 27-16. It’s time for a party True Blue Fans, you’ve certainly earned it.
