Truth Takes: Kentucky 2019 Preview

GatorTruth133

Alethea
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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
 

maheo30

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This was an entirely different gator team last year. They were coming off the disaster that was Butters. They had no identity or self-confidence. My take,

1. Franks is better than he was last season.

2. The o-line is much improved over what UK faced last season. Still, there's no Moral Stephens any more. We need a TE to step up in run blocking.

3. We are more physical. Miller is a huge upgrade from VJ. The biggest improvement are the DTs. I don't think UK pushes us around like they did last year. Greenard certainly won't get his azz kicked like Polite did.

4. So many weapons in the passing game against such a young secondary.

5. UK hasn't exactly lit it up on the scoreboard. Both of their games (Toledo and E. Mich.) were still in doubt headed into the 4th. That's bad.
 

Gator Fever

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Not as confident as you but maybe we can rattle that QB and win going away.

I think the only big advantage we have over them is on their secondary and will we be able to take that big advantage? Not sure though I think Franks will complete at least one deep bomb on them.
 

Frozen Gator

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I hope our defense plays like a Florida defense. I think our offense will be conservative overall, run, bubble screen, dink and dunk. Then `when Kentucky crowds the line of scrimmage BOOM we hit the home run, several times. It all depends on Franks discipline and accuracy.

24-10 Good Guys!
 

Gator Fever

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Just like the Miami game I hope you guys are right but I see a close game myself being most likely unless we are plus 2 in turnovers. He is mobile enough to burn you some with his legs if you are wreckless but obviously not the football speed Wilson has. And unlike those new Miami tackles Kentucky's will actually move when the ball is snapped. I think if we get more than a sack or two on him it will be because he froze with the blitz not because of our edge guys just dominating their linemen.
 

Frozen Gator

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This will not be a cake walk. Kentucky will attempt to run straight at us with malice. The new qb did beat LSU at home while at Troy.I believe we will win but we better treat this as a top notch opponent or we could come home licking our wounds wondering how in the he!! they did that.
 

SeabeeGator

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I’m not worried about UK’s offense much. I’m worried about our offense and their defense. They may have a new defensive backfield but their front 7 are solid. Same story as Miami. Cause for concern.
 

Gator Fever

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Well... we know that USA has been an issue for Mullen and GSU has been an issue for UF in the past.... I hope this doesn’t send @Gator Fever into a fear spiral...

Smith had big performances in their bowl game and against Louisiana etc and had like a 50 yard run against Nebraska. I hope they keep him from doing much.





 
Last edited:

SeabeeGator

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Smith had big performances in their bowl game and against Louisiana etc and had like a 50 yard run against Nebraska. I hope they keep him from doing much.






I was joking! Didn’t actually want you to start spiraling!!! Its ok man - we’ll make it through this game. The big scary QB with G5 notches in his belt won’t be too much.
 

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