It’s time. The first major test for Coach Phillips and “Operation Win” on the field. This is officially test number 2, but the first major test. A road game… in the SEC… at “The Swamp”.
Twenty-three times in a row Florida’s walked off the field victorious against the Cats. A streak that has no bearing on this game and one that I believe ends today, but only if….
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Kentucky and Florida are both 3-0. The Cats have looked sharp offensively but have shown kinks in the armor defensively. On the opposite sidelines, the Gators have not been their usual sharp dressed offensive unit.
The Cats defeated three teams with a combined record of 1-8 while Florida has defeated three teams with a combined record of 4-4. UK defeated Louisville, Western Kentucky and Akron while the Gators wins came against Miami (OH), South Florida and Tennessee.
Kentucky is the only team yet to turn the ball over after three games while Florida is tied for first in the country with 12 forced turnovers. Something’s gotta give…
Kentucky’s offense has averaged 497 yards and 44 points per game while Florida is managing 317 yards and 34 points per game.
The Big Three Offensively:
Kentucky:
Mike Hartline – 54-75 for 680 yards. 5 TD’s and 0 interceptions. 170.2 rating.
Derrick Locke – 61 carries for 372 yards, for 6.1 YPC. 5 TD’s and 0 turnovers.
Randall Cobb – 302 total yards. 34 passing, 108 rushing, 160 receiving.
Florida:
John Brantley – 49-79 for 452 yards. 5 TD’s and 0 interceptions. 131.0 rating.
Jeffery Demps – 45 carries for 310 yards. 2 TD’s and 0 turnovers.
Deonte Thompson – 13 receptions for 162 yards. 0 TD’s and 0 turnovers.
[COLOR=Black][B]CAN?[/B][/COLOR]
[LIST=1]
[*]The Cats [B]stay perfect and not turn the ball over[/B] against the team tied for first with the most forced turnovers?
[*][B]Mike Hartlin[/B]e have the game required for the Cats to walk away with a win?
[*][B]Randall Cobb step up[/B] to the challenge of a Defense that will obviously be designed to limit his impact?
[*]The [B]defense[/B] keep Kentucky in the game? UK has given up 135 (45 pr/gm) points in the last three games with 66 of the 135 coming in the first quarter.
[*]The [B]special teams[/B] play in favor of Kentucky?
[*][B]Someone else[/B] step up for the Cats? It’s been the Hartline, Cobb, Locke show so far.
[*][B]Moncell Allen pla[/B]y, and play effectively? The human turtle has been a huge part of the UK running game.
[*]The [B]secondary correct gap[/B]s that were apparent during the first three games, especially the Akron game where the Zips couldn’t take advantage?
[*]UK keep the [B]penalties to a minimum[/B]?
[*]The [B]defensive front seven[/B] of UK handle the front five of Florida?
[/LIST]
Just like in basketball, where controlling the first and last five minutes of each half is critical to winning, the start the Cats have will be critical to have a chance to upset No. 9 Florida.
The trends set during the first three games have to stay in tact. Florida is yet to score a point in the first quarter while Kentucky has scored on all three of their opening drives. Getting a 10 point lead early is critical for the Cats. Create doubt, force Florida into an offensive mindset outside of their game plan and quieting the crowd is a must to win at the Swamp.
[B]Can[/B] Kentucky win at the Swamp? Yes… But all the pieces have to fall into place and the Cats will have to catch a break. If the Cats want the respect they so desperately seek, this is where they earn it, on the field in tough SEC conditions.
UK in an upset, 31-24…
Go Cats!!!
