Kentucky Holds On to Defeat Florida 20-13, First Win over Gators in Lexington Since 1986

In Florida’s third straight trip to Kentucky, the Gators trailed by double digits in the fourth quarter. For the first time since 1986, Kentucky defeated Florida in Lexington.

Emory Jones’ pass on fourth and goal from the 8-yard line was tipped by Jacquez Jones, ending the Wildcats’ losing streak in Lexington to the Gators with a 20-13 win.

The sold out crowd celebrated the win over No. 10 Florida by storming the field. Mark Stoops’ biggest win at Kroger Field will not soon be forgotten.

Wan’Dale Gets Loose

Kavosiey Smoke peeled back and delivered a blow, freeing Wan’Dale Robinson to cut past the entire Florida defense. These writer’s words can’t accurately describe how swiftly he blew by the Gators.

#BeastMode @wanda1erobinson 😤

📺 – @ESPN – https://t.co/071KUqeHQH | #ForTheTeam 😼🏈 pic.twitter.com/elmzTW3fwn

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 2, 2021

Blocked Kick Six

This will be a play that lives in UK lore forever. With shades of defensive line coach Anwar Stewart’s return touchdown vs. Alabama, Josh Paschal’s hand just grazed the field goal attempt. The ball went right to true freshman Trevin Wallace. The former top 50 recruit showed why he’s one of the greatest pure athletes Kentucky has ever recruited.

That just happened. 👋 @JPaschalx | TD return @WallaceTrevin

📺 – @ESPN – https://t.co/071KUqeHQH | #ForTheTeam 😼🏈 pic.twitter.com/WhfQSBn4RF

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2021

Unfortunately, the ensuing extra point was blocked by Florida, a point that could have come in handy.

J.J. Weaver’s Interception

Kentucky’s offense struggled on third down all night long. A leaping Will Levis put UK within scoring range to end the third quarter. The Wildcats went with the Wildcat on fourth down, and as you might expect, were stopped short of the line to gain.

Like so many times before, Kentucky’s defense was prepared to make the big play. This time J.J. Weaver came up big in pass coverage instead of the pass rush. The Louisville Moore product picked off an Emory Jones throw into the seam, putting UK’s offense back within striking range.

.@jjtimeee is a PLAYMAKER

📺 – @ESPN – https://t.co/071KUqeHQH | #ForTheTeam 😼🏈 pic.twitter.com/JxmrHQs1Lf

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2021

Luckily, Tyrell Ajian was there to recover Weaver’s late fumble. Luckily, Chris Rodriguez was ready to eat.

Levis helped the Wildcats convert their first third down of the day on a busted play. The botched snap was picked up and Levis powered his way forward for seven yards. Two plays later Rodriguez broke free for a touchdown to give Kentucky a 20-10 lead with 11:32 to play.

Kroger Field Crowd

The BBN made a big difference against the Gators. Florida committed EIGHT false start penalties, most of which were on third down. The pre-snap penalties unquestionably altered the trajectory of the game. When the Wildcats captured the momentum, the stadium reached unprecedented levels of fervor, shaking the pressbox for the first time since it was put on top of the upper deck at Kroger Field. Well done, Big Blue Nation.