- Oct 5, 2017
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For the first time in my life time we are going into a Kentucky game without a win. Now, there are some here (jokes withheld) who believe at least one of the following; that last years win wasn't to a 10 win team that finished in the to 25, that missing David Reese, Cece Jefferson, Shawn Davis and Marco Wilson was a minimal factor at best, that Benny Snell as a four year back was as productive as Dee Hart at Alabama, that Josh Allen got drafted lower than all UF oline not named Jawaan Taylor, and Mark Stoops wishes that one day he could have Willie Taggart's acumen. Boy, did I wish that was 100% parody.
Anyway, Kentucky was a good team last year that caught as at a great time for them and we also had plenty of fail from Franks' failure to see Davis, THAT "missed" FG (though this is more of an official thing), dropped passes, and safety play that allowed two long TD's.
Now that we are caught up, for the second year in a row Kentucky will be starting a transfer QB we haven't played against. Sawyer Smith from everything I've heard and read is less mobile than Terry Wilson. Kentucky does not have a single returning starter from their 2018 defensive backfield. And hell, I'm tired of watching that F-ing Kash Daniel highlight, just like how Wes Byrum's chomp after winning the 2007 Auburn game was in the opening for the college football shows for years. If I am Dan Mullen, I am putting that highlight on replay throughout the football facility, before each snap of watching game film, nonstop in the locker room, and even have each teacher play it before each class. Piss them off.
Offense
Kentucky's 2019 defense is not up to the level of their 2018 though they are still dangerous. We will need to attack Kentucky's secondary early and often to limit the pass rush. Last year, the oline struggle against Allen and company. Despite this, we leaned on Franks more than we should. RJ Raymond was targeted on and dropped multiple companies.
Last year's loss did turn a switch for this team. We saw a lot more quick strike passing the following weeks in wins on the road at Tennessee, at #FailState, and against LSU (CSU omitted). This quick strike attack opened up some running room. Something we have not done necessarily well this year. At times though in our first two games we have had runs of 10+, but plenty of bad blocking. Example being the 4th and 1 against UT-Martin where Franks was stopped. The left tackle decides to crash on the end who was occupied by the guard in a double team instead of continuing to lead the way, leaving the linebacker with a beeline to the hole. These mistakes cannot happen against a well-coached Mark Stoops defense.
I think Copeland provides us with a new fancy weapon and we see a varied bit off play-calling to take advantage of a defense still finding its legs.
Defense
Last season, Wilson's legs caused issues for Florida's defense. Smith doesn't have those legs, but has a good arm from what we've been told. A young CB will probably get their first start Saturday. The experience they have received already is much better than what Dean had last year before coming on for Wilson. They weren't in the game against a triple option, they actually had to play the pass. Elam's technique on his pick was beautiful, box out defending.
Last year we were missing Reese, Davis, and Jefferson. Two of those three return. Jefferson is being replaced with a beast from Louisville named Jonathon Greenard. This pass rush has come to another level. Kentucky is replacing a few members of their offensive line and have not seen a pass rush like they will face Saturday.
The keys to the defense this game will be run defense and safety play. If we can slow the running game and force Kentucky through the air, it will be interesting to see if they can handle a pass rush averaging 7.5 sacks a game with one game of minimal blitzing. The safety play has been questionable, but perhaps a return by Stewart and matching him with Davis could help. If Florida can solidify safety play and have a decent run defense, this defense will be hard to beat.
ST
Not looking for much other than everyone keep doing what their doing, except the punt return game, someone needs to work on that immediately.
The Offense doesn't need to do much, just enough. I think we can see more than that with the weapons we have. The coaches just need to call it. They've had some good plays dialed up that we've seen players fail (see Davis fumble against Miami) and we've seen playcalls that were questionable at best (see the last offensive play against Miami). Defense will give Smith little time to make decisions and throws.
If Wilson is playing, I'm more nervous.
Florida 31, Kentucky 14
Anyway, Kentucky was a good team last year that caught as at a great time for them and we also had plenty of fail from Franks' failure to see Davis, THAT "missed" FG (though this is more of an official thing), dropped passes, and safety play that allowed two long TD's.
Now that we are caught up, for the second year in a row Kentucky will be starting a transfer QB we haven't played against. Sawyer Smith from everything I've heard and read is less mobile than Terry Wilson. Kentucky does not have a single returning starter from their 2018 defensive backfield. And hell, I'm tired of watching that F-ing Kash Daniel highlight, just like how Wes Byrum's chomp after winning the 2007 Auburn game was in the opening for the college football shows for years. If I am Dan Mullen, I am putting that highlight on replay throughout the football facility, before each snap of watching game film, nonstop in the locker room, and even have each teacher play it before each class. Piss them off.
Offense
Kentucky's 2019 defense is not up to the level of their 2018 though they are still dangerous. We will need to attack Kentucky's secondary early and often to limit the pass rush. Last year, the oline struggle against Allen and company. Despite this, we leaned on Franks more than we should. RJ Raymond was targeted on and dropped multiple companies.
Last year's loss did turn a switch for this team. We saw a lot more quick strike passing the following weeks in wins on the road at Tennessee, at #FailState, and against LSU (CSU omitted). This quick strike attack opened up some running room. Something we have not done necessarily well this year. At times though in our first two games we have had runs of 10+, but plenty of bad blocking. Example being the 4th and 1 against UT-Martin where Franks was stopped. The left tackle decides to crash on the end who was occupied by the guard in a double team instead of continuing to lead the way, leaving the linebacker with a beeline to the hole. These mistakes cannot happen against a well-coached Mark Stoops defense.
I think Copeland provides us with a new fancy weapon and we see a varied bit off play-calling to take advantage of a defense still finding its legs.
Defense
Last season, Wilson's legs caused issues for Florida's defense. Smith doesn't have those legs, but has a good arm from what we've been told. A young CB will probably get their first start Saturday. The experience they have received already is much better than what Dean had last year before coming on for Wilson. They weren't in the game against a triple option, they actually had to play the pass. Elam's technique on his pick was beautiful, box out defending.
Last year we were missing Reese, Davis, and Jefferson. Two of those three return. Jefferson is being replaced with a beast from Louisville named Jonathon Greenard. This pass rush has come to another level. Kentucky is replacing a few members of their offensive line and have not seen a pass rush like they will face Saturday.
The keys to the defense this game will be run defense and safety play. If we can slow the running game and force Kentucky through the air, it will be interesting to see if they can handle a pass rush averaging 7.5 sacks a game with one game of minimal blitzing. The safety play has been questionable, but perhaps a return by Stewart and matching him with Davis could help. If Florida can solidify safety play and have a decent run defense, this defense will be hard to beat.
ST
Not looking for much other than everyone keep doing what their doing, except the punt return game, someone needs to work on that immediately.
The Offense doesn't need to do much, just enough. I think we can see more than that with the weapons we have. The coaches just need to call it. They've had some good plays dialed up that we've seen players fail (see Davis fumble against Miami) and we've seen playcalls that were questionable at best (see the last offensive play against Miami). Defense will give Smith little time to make decisions and throws.
If Wilson is playing, I'm more nervous.
Florida 31, Kentucky 14