Saturday Down South’s Michael Bratton and Chris Marler predict the winner of Saturday’s game between Kentucky and Florida.
Here is what they had to say about the game:
Florida (-8) at Kentucky
Michael: Both of these teams enter this game dealing with some tough injuries which are compounded by lack of depth behind the players that have been hurt. For the Gators, the potential loss of CJ Henderson could prove too difficult to deal with in Lexington while the losing Kadarius Toney may not be as big of a deal considering the rest of the receiving talent Dan Mullen has to work with at Florida. Kentucky is throwing its full confidence in Sawyer Smith to deliver this weekend and based on what I’ve seen from him, there’s no doubt he can challenge the Gators with his arm. Look for the Wildcats to lean on the ground game this matchup, which will be the best way to negate Florida’s pass rush Saturday night. If Kentucky can impose its will on the Gator front seven, they will win this game. However, Terry Wilson was such an x-factor in this game last season, it’s hard to imagine Kentucky doesn’t miss him this weekend. Until he proves otherwise, I can’t pick Smith to beat an SEC defense of this caliber all night long.
Florida 30 Kentucky 20
Chris: Man, this would’ve been a lot more fun if both teams were fully healthy. Terry Wilson looked like he turned a major corner in developing his game, and Kadarius Toney is a human highlight reel. Regardless, this should still be a really good game. I’m sure there are teams and rivals that UK fans may hate more than Florida, but I don’t know if there’s a team they feel more disrespected by. The Cats have outplayed the Gators by A LOT the last 2 seasons despite only coming away with 1 win.
Just like a 70’s Shaft villain Mark Stoops will rely heavily on Kash and Kavosiey. I think they’ll circle the wagons in front of the home crowd, but ultimately the Gators will escape with a win.
Florida 28 Kentucky 23
