Cats Try to Break Another Streak
Last week, the Kentucky football team went to Auburn and won its first SEC game in over a year. In the process, that loss was the final straw leading to Hugh Freeze being let go. This Saturday, Mark Stoops’ club has a chance to break another streak. This time, it’s winning an SEC home game. Ironically, their opponent is the last team UK beat in Lexington. Let’s look at both teams, give you some series history, and make a score prediction as Kentucky tries to build momentum.
Taking Steps Forward
The 10-3 win over Auburn last week could be considered a vintage Stoops victory. The Wildcat defense held Auburn to 241 yards, had seven sacks, and 12 tackles for loss. In addition, they held the Tigers to 121 yards through the air despite missing two of their top cornerbacks due to injury. On the offensive side of the ball, they only mustered 240 yards. However, that was enough to win.
While it wasn’t the best night from Cutter Boley, he was still named SEC co-freshman of the week in leading the Cats to victory. We’ve talked about how offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has made adjustments to the overall scheme, leaning more toward the pass. Those tweaks are starting to show some progress, especially over the last three games.
In addition, Kendrick Law has become Boley’s top target. So far this season, the Alabama transfer leads the team with 30 catches, 351 yards, and three touchdowns. In addition, Fred Farrier II and freshman Cam Miller have also had big moments. That doesn’t mean UK will get away from its bread-and-butter running game, but they’ll face another strong defense when they meet the Gators.
Speaking of Florida, let’s take a look at their season as Kentucky tries to build momentum.
Scouting the Gators
Much like Auburn, the 2025 season hasn’t quite gone the way the Florida faithful hoped. Coming into Saturday, they’re 3-5 and 2-3 in SEC play. A week ago, they nearly knocked off Georgia before falling 24-20. Head coach Billy Napier went 3-4 and was let go on October 19th despite beating Mississippi State the day before. While a nationwide search is underway, Billy Gonzales is the interim coach.
Quarterback DJ Lagway began the year with some Heisman talk. However, he’s battled injuries all season, including shoulder, hamstring, and calf issues. For the year, he’s thrown for 1,659 yards and ten touchdowns. However, he’s also thrown a league-high nine interceptions.
His favorite targets are Vernell Brown III and Eugene Wilson III. A freshman, Brown leads the Gators with 32 receptions and 452 yards. Wilson has 27 receptions and is coming off a huge game against Georgia. One target he won’t have is Dallas Wilson, who’s out for the year after a foot injury. He is tied for the team high with three touchdowns.
When Florida runs it, the main man is Jadan Baugh, who ranks sixth in the SEC with 683 yards to go along with five touchdowns. In addition, he’s caught 22 passes. A season ago, Baugh lit up the Kentucky defense for 106 yards and five touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball, the Gators’ rush defense is 35th in the nation, only allowing 120 yards per game. Against the pass, they’re 70th in college football, giving up 220 yards a game. Linebacker Myles Graham leads the way with 48 tackles, is second on the team with 3.5 tackles for loss, and has four pass breakups.
Now that we’ve previewed both teams, let’s look at the rivalry as Kentucky looks to build momentum.
Series History
Like many of their rivalries, the Kentucky-Florida series is very one-sided. Overall, the Gators lead 54 wins to 21 for Kentucky. Of course, UF once won 31 straight from 1987- 2017 before Kentucky won in “The Swamp” in 2018. However, the Wildcats have won three of the last four.
Last season,n Lagway completed only seven passes. Unfortunately for the BBN they went for 259 yards. That’s an almost 19-yard average per completion in a 48-20 win.
As we do this time every week, it’s prediction time as Kentucky Tries To Build Momentum.
Who Wins On Saturday?
Much like the Auburn game, the key to a Kentucky victory looks to be through the air. Florida’s good versus he run but struggles against the pass. Get another strong game from Boley and a good defensive effort, and the win is there for the taking.
The Cats ended their long SEC losing streak last week, and they’d like to end the home one on Saturday. You have to go back to September 30, 2023, when they beat the Gators 33-14 for the last SEC win in Lexington.
Stoops’ seat is a little less hot, and a win Saturday helps even more. Beat Tennessee Tech next week, and suddenly, UK is 5-5 and knocking on the door of a potential bowl game. Something which seemed impossible a month ago.
Look for this one to go down to the wire with the Wildcats prevailing.
Kentucky 24-21
How To Watch
Florida at Kentucky- 7:30 pm- SEC Network
The Gators lead the all-time series 54-21, but Kentucky’s won three of the last four.
Favorite- Florida by 3 with the over/under at 43.5
Main Image: Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
