Mark Stoops reveals what Kentucky must do in fourth quarter to stifle Florida's comeback attempt

Mark Stoops likes what he’s seen from his Kentucky squad thus far, as the Wildcats lead 30-14 over the Florida Gators entering the fourth quarter.

During a television timeout between the third and the fourth, Stoops spoke with ESPN, explaining what Kentucky must do to hold off a Florida comeback attempt over the final 15 minutes.

“We’ve got to be more efficient on third down,” Stoops told Katie George of ESPN. “We had one drop. We missed a throw over there. Offensively, you knew they would get some things fixed in the run game. We’ve got to be able to throw and catch.

“Defense, we’re going to have to step up and make some big stops. It’s going to be a tough fourth quarter.”

Kentucky is hoping to hold on for what would be a tremendous victory. The Wildcats are enjoying this one, and the writing may be on the wall for the Gators.

Mark Stoops discusses Ray Davis’ 200-yard performance in first half vs. Florida

Moreover, Wildcats running back Ray Davis was responsible for 215 of Kentucky‘s first-half yards and three touchdowns against Florida at halftime. The Gators only had 154.

To say Davis is having a great day is an understatement. Not only has he amassed a new career-high in rushing yards, he’s more than halfway to the SEC record for rushing yards in a single game. Head coach Mark Stoops revealed his perspective on his running back’s performance before heading to the locker room.

“He’s having a big day,” Stoops said at halftime. “The receptions, the runs — I think that was the key for it from both sides to have some success running the ball to set up some play action so we need to continue to stay physical.”

While Davis has led the offensive unit, Kentucky’s defense — aside from the final Florida drive of the half where they allowed a touchdown — hasn’t let up on Graham Mertz and the Gators. 

UK DB Maxwell Hairston intercepted his third pass in two games, while the front seven allowed just 46 yards from the Florida rushing game to give the ‘Cats a 23-7 lead before receiving the opening second-half kickoff.

“Defense has been really solid. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get a sack on the last drive when they scored the touchdown,” Stoops said. “That’s a big miss and we paid for it because we gave up seven points there. Outside of that, we’re playing pretty clean defensively.”

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.