Billy Napier confirms Micah Mazzccua will return for Florida vs. Kentucky

Florida offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua was absent in Florida’s 22-7 win over Charlotte on Saturday after being suspended for his participation in a fight against Tennessee in Week 3. On Monday, UF head coach Billy Napier stated Mazzccua will be back in action on Saturday against Kentucky.

Mazzccua will be a welcome addition. The 6-foot-5 junior started in all three appearances this season before his suspension. His absence was obvious on Saturday. Charlotte picked up three sacks against the Gators.

In just four games this season, Florida’s front five has allowed nine sacks. Mazzccua transferred to Florida this offseason after spending three seasons at Baylor. In 2022, he made 11 appearances while notching 10 starts.

Mazzccua did more than stand between the sidelines. He graded out as the second-best guard in the Big 12 according to Pro Football Focus and the 42nd best guard in the nation. Florida will need his help this weekend. Kentucky boasts 11 sacks this season, knocking opponents back 86 yards.

Further, the ‘Cats know how to clog holes. UK gives up just 77.5 rushing yards per game, the ninth-least in the country. Napier knows his team has their hands full on Saturday.

“This is a big week,” Napier said. “Kentucky has a really good football team and we have a lot of respect for coach Stoops… it’s a tough place to play.”‘

Kentucky has won back-to-back games against Florida; a feat the program had not accomplished since 1976-77. The Gators will look to turn back the clock this weekend. On Saturday, the two programs will face off at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

More on Micah Mazzccua’s suspension

Mazzcua has had no shortage of time to consider his actions. The Baylor transfer was suspended in Week 2, following an altercation at the end of Florida’s 29-16 win over Tennessee.

After Tennessee called a late defensive timeout, Florida was forced to run one more play before the game could end. Quarterback Graham Mertz was knocked to the ground during the final kneel down and some of the Florida blockers immediately had their QB1’s back. The altercation escalated quickly from there. 

Following the contest, the SEC released a statement revealing the extent of the punishment for all parties involved:

“The suspensions were determined after video review and consultation between the Southeastern Conference Office, the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee,” a statement from the SEC said.

“Offensive lineman Damieon George, offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua and tight end Dante Zanders of Florida will be suspended for the first half of the Gators’ game with Charlotte on Saturday in Gainesville. Defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott of Tennessee will be suspended for the first half of the Volunteers’ game with UTSA on Saturday in Knoxville.”

On3’s Barkley Truax also contributed to this article.