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Kentucky

WATCH: Kentucky defense stops Florida to pull off massive upset

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•10/02/21•

ChandlerVessels

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The Kentucky defense came up with the game-saving stop late in the fourth quarter to upset Florida on Saturday. Gators quarterback Emory Jones dropped back to pass but Wildcat linebacker Jacquez Jones reached out to deflect the ball and cause a turnover on downs.

The victory marked the first time Kentucky has beaten Florida in Lexington since 1986. It is the third time the Wildcats have won against the Gators overall during that span.

Kentucky entered this game unranked despite a 4-0 record. The Wildcats now improve to 5-0 and 3-0 in SEC play and are sure to enter the top 25 in the upcoming week.

While the defense came up huge in the win, running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. steadied the offense with 99 yards and a touchdown.

Jones is one of many transfer players to make an impact for the Wildcats this season. The senior is in his first season in Kentucky after spending three years with Ole Miss. Other transfers include starting quarterback Will Levis (Penn State) and receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (Nebraska).

The additions have clearly improved a Kentucky team that finished just 5-6 a year ago. If the Wildcats win one more conference game, they will match their total from 2020. That chance will come next Saturday when they host LSU at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Florida drops to 3-2 and 1-2 in SEC play, giving the Gators a lot to think about. Emory Jones finished 23-of-31 passing for 203 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He led the team in rushing with 63 yards.

Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson made his first appearance after a multi-week absence. He had 25 yards rushing and completed his only pass.

Florida will look to rebound against Vanderbilt next week at noon ET. However, their chances of making the SEC Championship Game took a huge hit, even if they are able to beat Georgia on Oct. 30.

The Gators need a lot of things to go right to save their season, but perhaps the most important thing they need to address is their own play. After the Kentucky defense secured the upset against Florida, the season changed for both teams.