The Kentucky Wildcats (1-2) host the #19 Florida Gators (2-1) at 7pm on ESPNU.
The announcers for tonight’s game are Clay Matvick and Matt Stinchcomb. The sideline announcer is Dawn Davenport.
Florida is favored by 11 points.
Take a look at today’s background information.
Today’s game is the SEC opener for Kentucky after three non-conference games to start the season. This is the fifth-straight season that Kentucky has opened SEC play against the Gators.
Florida will face Kentucky for the 64th time in school history. The Gators are 46-17 all-time against the Wildcats, including an 18-10 mark in Lexington.
Kentucky’s offense ranks high in the SEC in several categories, including tied for fourth in total offense with 490.0 yards per game. UK’s pass attack ranks fourth in the conference with 276.7 yards per game, while Kentucky is third in the conference in converting fourth downs (4-of-5; 80%).
Quarterback Tyler Murphy will be making his first career start, after Jeff Driskel suffered a season-ending injury in the win over Tennessee. Murphy in his career has played in six games. He completed 8-of-14 passes for 134 yards with one touchdown against the Vols and also rushed for 84 yards and a score.
The Wildcat defense is also ranked high in several statistical categories, sitting third in the SEC in pass defense and third in 1st downs against. UK’s defense has had success on third down, sitting second in the SEC by allowing teams just nine third-down conversions this season in 39 attempts. UK ranks first in the SEC in redzone defense only allowing opponents to score 69.2 percent of the time they enter the redzone.
The Gators have a win streak of 26 games against the Wildcats, dating back to 1986. It is the longest active win streak over a major opponent in an annual series.
Kentucky is beginning a stretch of four games against opponents currently ranked in The Associated Press Top 20, including No. 7 Louisville, No. 20 Florida, No. 12 South Carolina and No. 1 Alabama.
