Gators Online Gameday predictions: Florida vs. Kentucky

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The No. 12 Florida Gators are set for a top-20 matchup to kick off SEC play. Florida will host No. 20 Kentucky this week in the Swamp, another sold-out affair.

Last week the Gators set a home opener record for attendance with 90,799 in attendance for Napier’s debut. This week, the Gators will have a tough test in Kentucky and quarterback Will Levis. The Gators are looking to start the season 2-0 and start SEC play with a win.

“As soon as I see the word pressure in my mind, I say opportunity. If we can take that approach and view it that way, we get to do it we don’t have to do it, this is truly a privilege,” Billy Napier said. “I mean, heck, to play in this league at a place like the University of Florida is a special experience and one that not everybody gets to do. It’s an opportunity and I think we try to view it that way.”

Here is how Gators Online views this game going.

Gators Online predicts the game

Zach Abolverdi: Both of these teams feature projected first-round picks at quarterback in Anthony Richardson and Will Levis. However, Florida also boasts a bevy of backs and a top-15 rushing offense nationally, while Kentucky ranks 121st nationally after gaining just 50 yards on the ground in Week 1. The Gators’ defense will have more success stopping the run this week with Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez suspended, and their front seven should be able to bring down Levis after he was sacked four times by Miami (OH). UF avenges last year’s loss in Lexington behind Richardson, an improved offense and better run defense.

Florida, 31-20.

Corey Bender: With Chris Rodriguez serving a suspension, the Gators are dodging a bullet and will face a Kentucky running back room that accounted for just roughly 50 yards vs. Miami (OH). Will Levis will have his moments, but without a quality rushing attack, I believe the Gators will be able to capitalize and force Levis into some difficult situations. On offense, Florida should be able to rely on its running game but also mix it up downfield with the likes of Ricky Pearsall and Xzavier Henderson. Having this matchup at the Swamp but also at night is key for the Gators.

Florida, 27-20.

Nick de la Torre: The Gators have two glaring deficiencies. They don’t have enough depth on the interior defensive line, so teams will be able to run on them. Their linebackers also aren’t great in coverage. Utah took advantage of both in week one, providing a blueprint for other teams for the rest of the season. Unfortunately for Kentucky, they don’t have the personnel to attack either. The Cats also struggled mightily in the redzone last week, settling for two field goals and an interception. Florida’s red zone defense will make a difference this week.

Florida, 31-20.

Donavon Keiser: Riding high after a win against Utah, the Florida Gators should come out fast. Kentucky will be without their most productive back from the 2021 season, Chris Rodriguez Jr, forcing the Wildcats to use other inexperienced backs. With the Wildcats’ run game significantly hindered, UK quarterback Will Levis will show what he can do in The Swamp in his first true test of 2022. As for the Gators’ offense, I expect UF to move the ball much as they did against Utah, with Anthony Richardson putting up another stellar performance under the lights. The Gators should get out to a lead and coast to a victory against the SEC East foe. 

Florida, 34-24.

Pat O’Donnell: It’s hard to think that Kentucky will leave the Swamp with a win without a strong run game, which has been its bread and butter for a few years now. Personally, I’m not a believer in the Will Levis hype. I don’t see him outdueling Anthony Richardson on Saturday night. The Gators still have a lot left in the playbook. With SEC play here, they may very well let it all fly in this top-20 showdown. I’ll take UF to get its revenge on the Wildcats after last year’s blunder in Lexington.

Florida, 31-20.