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WATCH: Kentucky takes lead over Florida with Keidron Smith

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh09/10/22

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GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 08: Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops embraces Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Josh Allen (41) following the win over the Florida Gators on September 8, 2018, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

For the second time tonight, the Kentucky defense was able to grab one off Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. In the first half, the Wildcats offense was able to punch it in for the score. This time, they made the Gators pay the price instantly.

In what had to be a communication error between Richardson and his running back, some kind of wrong route was run. Kentucky’s Keidron Smith was there to intercept the pass and then was off to the races. He made Richardson miss during the return and went into the end zone untouched.

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With Smith’s touchdown, Kentucky retook the lead late in the third quarter. Head coach Mark Stoops now finds his team up by a full touchdown, 23-16.

You can watch the full play here.

Smith was a new addition to the Kentucky program this offseason, transferring in from Ole Miss. Now, he’s playing in one of Week 2’s biggest matchups and delivering when called upon. A solid pickup for the Wildcats in the secondary.

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When heading into the locker room for halftime, Stoops decided to remain positive with his mindset. He was appreciative of the defense getting the first interception under their belt. Stoops must be over the moon after seeing the pick-six now.

“We’ve got to execute better,” Stoops said at halftime. “With all that being said, we’re two snaps away from being tied. That’s the good news. We’re making a lot of mistakes, we’re beating ourselves in certain areas. It’s nice to see the defense step up and get the turnover. We really needed that.”

Kentucky will now have just over a quarter to hang on and get a crucial win over their SEC East rivals. A few more solid defensive plays might just do the trick.