5 Things You Need to Know About the Florida Gators

It is, once again, football time in the Bluegrass. If it feels like there is a little extra buzz in the air it is because there is. The #22 Florida Gators are the first ranked opponent for the ‘Cats this season. Furthermore, SEC Nation is set up outside the stadium bringing stars like Tim Tebow and Paul Finebaum to Lexington. We will get a Noon Eastern Time kickoff on Saturday between Kentucky (4-0) and Florida (3-1) with major SEC East implications on the line. We are, hopefully, set up for a really fun day at Kroger Field.

While both teams have good looking records, neither have gone without ups and downs. Coach Mark Stoops has been notably unhappy after each contest despite a 4-0 record. As for the Gators, they were completely outclassed in week one against Utah. However, they responded with an impressive victory against Tennessee in week three. Neither Wildcats or Gators fans know exactly what to expect from their team as we begin week five action. Both fanbases, and coaching staffs, will have a much more clear picture of their group at about 3:30 on Saturday than prior to kickoff at Noon.

As always, we have all of your pregame needs right here on Kentucky Sports Radio dot com. If you haven’t already, two must reads are Adam Luckett’s Scouting Report and Freddie Maggard’s goals for the game. Those are the in-depth, football-nerd previews. For those in search of a more surface level look at what to expect on Saturday at noon, you are in the right place. Let’s dive on in to five things you need to know about the Florida Gators.

Game Manager Graham Mertz

Big Blue Nation knows the name Graham Mertz very well. Prior to bringing offensive coordinator Liam Coen back to Lexington, the Wisconsin graduate transfer was considered to be the Wildcats top priority in the portal. However, Coach Coen shifted focus to Devin Leary and Mertz ended up down in Gainesville with the Florida Gators. His career stats may make him over qualified to be considered a game-manager, but that is what Coach Billy Napier is asking of his veteran quarterback.

At Wisconsin, he started for three seasons leading the Badgers to a 20-13 record. He finished his career in Madison throwing for 5,405 yards and 38 touchdowns. Mertz wasn’t always thought of as the most accurate arm though as he completed under 60% of his passes the last two seasons and threw 26 interceptions in 32 games as the Badgers starter. Now at Florida, Mertz is one of the most accurate passers in all of college football.

Through four games as a Gator, the graduate transfer has thrown for 976 yards while completing 78% of his passes. That completion percentage is the third best mark nationally. However, Mertz has arrived at those numbers while not taking very many risks. His average depth of target, 6.4 yards, is the fourth lowest number among Power Five schools. Furthermore, Mertz has connected on just 12 completions of 20 yards or more. For comparisons sake, Devin Leary is averaging 14.5 yards per completion. If the Wildcats can put Florida in a position where Mertz has to go win the game for the Gators it will likely be a good thing for Coach Stoops and company.

Gators Will Look to Establish the Run

The Florida Gators feature a pair of talented running backs, but it is Trevor Etienne who has found the most success. He has found plenty of explosive plays so far this season averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Etienne has broken 11 runs for over 10 yards in just four games and has seven career carries over 20 yards. The brother of former Clemson start Travis Etienne, Trevor is a home run threat at all times as seen by the 62-yard house call he had against Tennessee. Kentucky must limit the chunk plays from Florida’s dynamic back.

Montrell Johnson Jr. is the other ball carrier that will see time on Saturday. The Louisiana transfer has rushed for 211 yards on 46 carriers and three scores while also catching six passes for 58 yards and another touchdown. Both Florida running backs have been a bit feast or famine as seen by a 20.2% stuff rate, but the explosive plays have helped to offset that. The Wildcats known a thing or two about a lack of efficiency and they will need to keep the Gators behind schedule in this contest.

Florida’s Passing Game Features One Primary Target

When Graham Mertz drops back to pass you can bet the ball is going to Ricky Pearsall. The redshirt senior pass catcher has received one-third of all targets this season and has seen a good deal of production. Pearsall has 27 receptions for 357 yards and a touchdown. His 5.5 yards after the catch prove he has some serious playmaking ability when he gets the ball in his hands. We know Mertz isn’t looking to throw the ball down field, but Pearsall’s ability to gain after the catch has helped the Florida Gators move the chains.

True freshman Eugene Wilson III has been the second most popular target. The blue-chip speedster has 12 catches for 104 yards. No other Gators receiver has over 100 yards so far this season. Kentucky is known as a bend, don’t break defense. Coach Napier and quarterback Graham Mertz will be happy to take the short gains and keep the chains moving methodically. However, it will come down to red zone execution. That hasn’t necessarily been a strength this season, 57.9% touchdown rate (80th nationally), so that could very well end up being where the game gets decided.

Efficient Defense Gets Off the Field on Third Down

After struggling defensively on their way to a 6-7 season in year one of the coach Billy Napier era, the Florida Gators are vastly improved on that side of the football this year. This group is 18th nationally allowing just 13.5 points per game. Additionally, their yards per play allowed, yards per rush allowed, and third/fourth down efficiency all rank in the top 30 nationally. Florida has done a good job of forcing third-and-long scenarios and then getting off of the field. Furthermore, they’ve allowed just five redzone possessions in four games. Opponents haven’t had much luck moving the ball, especially on the ground, against the Gators. However, this defense hasn’t produced much havoc.

Despite the great overall numbers, Florida is outside the top 100 in tackles for loss per game and passes defended. Devin Leary should have some time in the pocket to take shots down the field. Kentucky has had success creating big plays and they may be there for the taking against this Gators defense.

Massive Defensive Front Helps Florida Stuff the Run

While the havoc numbers may not show up in the stat sheet, that doesn’t mean the Florida Gators have completely failed to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. For example, Caleb Banks has 10 pressures and a pair of sacks through four games. The 6’6″ 320 pound Louisville transfer is one of two massive defensive tackles that clog up the middle for the Gators. His partner in crime up front has been 6’6″ 360 pound behemoth Cam Jackson. Jackson, a Memphis transfer, was dominant in Florida’s win over Tennessee and has an impressive 13 tackles from the interior of the defensive line. Getting much push up the middle in the running game could be difficult for the ‘Cats.

Off the edge, Princely Umanmielen has six quarterback hurries, two sacks, and three tackles for loss. He is a big guy in his own right at 6’5″ 255 pounds. Look for the pass rusher to test the left side of Kentucky’s offensive line on Saturday afternoon. This is a big, deep, and talented Gators front.