Unbelievable: after supporting in the game .DJ Lagway face 2 years suspension leaving the gators immediately Napier said his…
Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week eight matchup vs Kentucky with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys for Florida’s offense vs Kentucky?
AS: They’ve got to be able to show some kind of running game against a Wildcats defense that doesn’t allow much on the ground. If Florida can run the ball a little and provide DJ some time, then I think he can take advantage of things down the field.
GH: Punch it in. The Gators went 3-for-6 on red zone trips which only resulted in 17 points all game against Tennessee. If Florida wants to execute, Florida’s offensive line must continue to improve and allow DJ Lagway and Jadan Baugh to push the ball down the field.
NM: Establishing the running game early with DJ Lagway at quarterback. It’s not going to be an easy task as Kentucky allows just 89.3 rushing yards per game, the 10th fewest in the FBS. The Gators have ran the ball better with Lagway in the game due to his unique skillset. The last thing might be the most important. I don’t want to see Florida’s staff coddle DJ Lagway due to limited QB depth. Let the freshman loose.
What are the keys for Florida’s defense vs Kentucky?
AS: Florida has to be physical against Kentucky as the Wildcats want to run the ball. Florida needs to win the line of the scrimmage and force Kentucky to throw.
GH: Kentucky has a very balanced and efficient offense that can catch you slipping, but if the Gators can dominate Kentucky’s offensive line, they can dominate their entire offense. Continue to stop the running game and bring the pressure to Brock Vandagriff and you have a good shot.
NM: Kentucky is going to try to run, run, and run again. Kentucky’s passing offense is one of the worst in the country despite having multiple weapons at wide receiver. If Florida can stop the Wildcats’ rushing attack, they’ll win this football game.
Which player would you like to see receive more playing time in week 8?
AS: I’m going back with Kelby Collins as the Gators need more fresh bodies on the defensive line and Collins and can provide that.
GH: I would like to see Jaden Robinson get more snaps after recording 4 total tackles and 1.5 sacks against Tennessee last weekend.
NM: Florida’s safety unit has not played well through six games of the season. Trikweze Bridges should be on the field for just about every snap with the current makeup of the safety unit. His snap count is trending up, logging a season high 50 snaps in week seven against Tennessee. Bridges is an aggressive safety that plays well in coverage.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Florida needs to get out to a lead here and force Kentucky to throw the ball and not just run it all game. Also this is a game that special teams will be huge in.
GH: The Swamp needs to be active on Saturday night, and a touchdown on the first drive could have it loud all night long. We all witnessed how The Swamp ignited against the Knights two weeks ago, and that needs to happen again this weekend.
NM: Start fast and make Kentucky’s offense come from behind to beat you. Their lack of a passing game would make it difficult for them to come back and win if they were down two scores early. If DJ Lagway and the Gators’ offense can take care of the football, I think they take this one on Saturday night.
Kentucky is currently two-point favorites over Florida. Give us a score prediction.
AS: I have Florida winning 24-17
GH: 24-20 Florida. I have been back and forth on this pick, but I think The Gators do enough behind their home crowd to end the three year losing streak against the Wildcats.
NM: I think Florida wins a low scoring, defensive battle. 20-13 Florida.
Nick Marcinko
Nick Marcinko
Nick is a recent graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Telecommunications. He is passionate about all sports but specifically baseball and football. Nick interned at Inside the Gators and worked part time with Knights247 before joining the Gator Country family. Nick enjoys spending his free time golfing and at the beach.
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Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway #2 scrambles downfield during the first half as the Florida Gators defeat the Samford Bulldogs 45-7 at Ben Hill Griffiin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. September 7th, 2024. Gator Country Photo by David Bowie.
Football
Florida vs Kentucky roundtable
By Nick Marcinko – October 18, 2024
Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week eight matchup vs Kentucky with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys for Florida’s offense vs Kentucky?
AS: They’ve got to be able to show some kind of running game against a Wildcats defense that doesn’t allow much on the ground. If Florida can run the ball a little and provide DJ some time, then I think he can take advantage of things down the field.
GH: Punch it in. The Gators went 3-for-6 on red zone trips which only resulted in 17 points all game against Tennessee. If Florida wants to execute, Florida’s offensive line must continue to improve and allow DJ Lagway and Jadan Baugh to push the ball down the field.
NM: Establishing the running game early with DJ Lagway at quarterback. It’s not going to be an easy task as Kentucky allows just 89.3 rushing yards per game, the 10th fewest in the FBS. The Gators have ran the ball better with Lagway in the game due to his unique skillset. The last thing might be the most important. I don’t want to see Florida’s staff coddle DJ Lagway due to limited QB depth. Let the freshman loose.
What are the keys for Florida’s defense vs Kentucky?
AS: Florida has to be physical against Kentucky as the Wildcats want to run the ball. Florida needs to win the line of the scrimmage and force Kentucky to throw.
GH: Kentucky has a very balanced and efficient offense that can catch you slipping, but if the Gators can dominate Kentucky’s offensive line, they can dominate their entire offense. Continue to stop the running game and bring the pressure to Brock Vandagriff and you have a good shot.
