Mark Stoops evaluates Florida’s defensive play
Mark Stoops isn’t underestimating Florida. On Monday, the Kentucky head coach gave props to the impressive Gators’ defense.
“They’re always big and aggressive,” Stoops said. “They got some playmakers and they’re just playing good as a unit.”
Florida’s defense has been fantastic this season. The team allows just 244.8 yards per game, the fifth-least in the country. The Gators’ armor is well-balanced, ranking in the top 15 in both rush and pass defense.
Since falling to Utah 24-11 in the season opener, Florida is yet to allow another opponent to score 20 or more points against them, including No. 11 Tennessee. Florida’s will look to be even more forgiving against on Saturday.
“Kentucky has a really good football team,” Napier said Monday. “We’ve got a ton of respect for Coach Stoops and the program that he’s built there. The consistency in which they play and the brand of football that they play, the fundamentals and the philosophy. It’s a tough place to go play.
“We’ve got to go up there and play at noon. Our players are well aware of the program Kentucky has. They’ve beaten us two years in a row and I do think there are challenges that come with going and playing on the road in this league. Kentucky is certainly one of those.”
The challenge ahead of Florida
It won’t be an easy challenge for Florida. Kentucky has seemingly improved with each contest, rattling off 365 total yards in its 45-28 win over Vanderbilt last week. With NC State transfer Devin Leary behind center, UK’s pass game is particularly dangerous.
The Wildcats average 265 passing yards per outing, ranking in the top 50 in the nation. After adding RB Ray Davis from Vanderbilt this offseason, the Wildcats don’t lack weapons in the backfield, either. Napier has done his research.
“They’re transfer-heavy on offense. I think they’ve got a good group of skilled players,” Napier added. “That running back [Ray Davis], he’s the featured back. The quarterback [Devin Leary] was fantastic at NC State, he’s had a fantastic career and he’s off to a good start.
“They’ve got skilled players at receiver, their two true freshmen [Barion Brown and Dane Key] from last year back for their sophomore year and the transfer from Virginia Tech [Tayvion Robinson].”
Napier will only have a few days left to discover how to minimize Kentucky’s production. The two teams will face off at noon ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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