Florida Gators Fall Back to Earth with 26-16 Loss to Kentucky

A troubling fall from cloud 9 for the Gators.

For the third time in 5 years, Mark Stoops’ No. 20 Kentucky Wildcats took down the Florida Gators of their annual matchup. It’s the second time in that span they knock off UF in Gainesville.

Following a back-and-forth first half that noticed Billy Napier’s squad maintain a measly three-point lead heading into the locker room, the second half was all Kentucky.

Whereas the Gators’ protection did its half to restrict the Wildcats’ scoring regardless of numerous scoring possibilities, whereas holding quarterback Will Levis to a modest 13-for-24, 202 yards, one landing and one interception, Kentucky’s offense capitalized on a few of the quick fields it acquired from turnovers.

Though the Wildcats tried to maintain the door open for Florida, particularly on particular groups with a security within the first half and missed area purpose up 23-16 with simply over six minutes left within the fourth quarter, the Gators did not capitalize on the alternatives they had been supplied.

Kentucky kicker Matt Ruffalo added insult to damage by knocking by way of a late 26-yard try to put the dagger in Florida’s possibilities.

In consequence, the Gators lose their first house bout since falling by two factors to Alabama in week three of 2021.

Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson adopted an enormous week one efficiency that noticed him account for 272 yards and three scores with a dud within the SEC opener. The Wildcats’ protection contained the dynamic playmaker to simply 4 yards on the bottom and exploited his accuracy points to carry him to a 14-for-35, 143-yard and two interception outing.

The 2 picks resulted in 14 factors for the Wildcats. His incapacity to search out any groove on the night time led to Florida’s offensive deficiency from begin to end.

Simply because the Gators triumph when he thrives, they fall when he falters. In consequence, Florida crumbled, ridding this system of the optimistic momentum it garnered from the huge week one victory.

The No. 12 Gators fall to 1-1 on the season. They are going to look to bounce again subsequent week as they host USF at 7 p.m. ET.

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