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Billy Napier explains what happened on pick-6, fourth-down gamble

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•09/12/22•

ZachAbolverdi

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More than half of Kentucky’s points in the 26-16 win over Florida came off UF turnovers.

Both of Anthony Richardson‘s interceptions resulted in touchdowns for the Wildcats, including a pick-six by Keidron Smith. There was a miscommunication by the Gators on that play, according to coach Billy Napier.

“Yes,” he confirmed when asked after the game. “We gave them a pick-six and a short field after an interception. Two touchdowns in the game. Ultimately, it’s hard to win when you do that. It’s a tribute to the team that you have an opportunity to win the game and overcome those things.”

Despite those picks and a turnover on downs in UF territory, Florida got another chance at a game-tying drive after UK’s Matt Ruffalo missed a 38-yard field goal with 6:13 left.

But the Gators faced another fourth down and Napier decided to go for it again, this time from their own 24-yard line. Richardson’s pass fell incomplete at the feet of Xzavier Henderson, and Ruffalo put the game away seven plays later with a 26-yarder.

Both Henderson and receiver Ricky Pearsall were open on the fourth-down call, but Richardson was off target. After the game, Napier was asked if he thought about punting in that situation.

“We had gotten some stops. At that point of the game, you’ve got to be aggressive,” he said. “You think about where you’re on the field. You only get so many opportunities to get it back. They were chewing it up pretty good, so no question that was the right decision.”

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