With the Gators set to play Kentucky on Saturday night at 7, alligatorSports reached out to The Kentucky Kernel’s Josh Huff about his expectations for the game, and his thoughts about Florida’s 28-game winning streak against the Wildcats.
What is the atmosphere like surrounding Lexington after the Wildcats opened the season 2-0 and beat South Carolina?
“The atmosphere is cautious optimism. UK started off the season last year in about the same fashion and ended up losing its last six games. The win on the road against South Carolina was huge. It was the first win on the road in 22 games so progress is being made. The issue, however, is UK ready to compete with the likes of the Florida's and Georgia's? I think people are excited to go out to the game. The new stadium is beautiful, it's a night game and if UK wins the place might go crazy. Pretty much, if UK wins on Saturday it will be a huge mile-marker for the progress of the program.”
Do fans pay attention to the 28-game winning streak? Could this be the year?
“Fans are aware of the streak, as well the streak against Tennessee. If UK were to lose I’m sure that fans could care less; however, if it wins there may be a situation much like last year when the fans rushed the field after defeating South Carolina. Win or lose, basketball season is just around the corner and Big Blue Madness is three weeks or so away and that’s what the fans really care about.”
What does Kentucky's offense, particularly Towles, do well that could frustrate Florida's vaunted defense?
“I think what UK does well this year is striking early and often. The Cats have a receiving core that could rival that of some of the top tier SEC teams. The problem is the current inaccuracy of Patrick Towles. Should he somehow find his touch, that offense under Shannon Dawson could be lethal. What else UK is doing well is its trio of running backs: Jojo Kemp, Boom Williams and Mikel Horton each have their own positive attributes and can impact the game on any given play. The Cats also are a great blocking team. Be on the watch for C.J. Conrad, the guy can block.”
What player will be the difference maker for the Wildcats?
“This is a hard one. Garrett Johnson and Boom Williams lit up Florida last year and could possibly do it again. I would probably focus more on UK’s defense. The difference maker will have to be more than just a singular player, but a unit, and that unit is the secondary. Chris Westry was SEC Freshman of the Week and he is just a one of the young players in the backfield that are all young, lengthy and talented.”
What do you think the score will be on Saturday?
“I think the score will be close. UK has started off the game with a bang and in the second half has let of the gas. Some of it could be the play calling, but the players need to gun it for the entire game. Because of Florida’s passing efficiency and stellar run defense, the game will be close. I think lightning will strike for the third for UK and it wins 24-21. This is the first true test for Florida and I think the atmosphere and the speed of UK’s offense will provide a true test for this young Gator team.”
Follow Graham Hall on Twitter @Graham311
