Kentucky vs. Florida: National Media Predictions

No. 20 Kentucky vs. No. 12 Florida is one of the biggest games in college football this weekend and the first ranked matchup between SEC teams this season. In turn, there are plenty of national media predictions to share. It probably won’t surprise you, but the vast majority of experts are picking the Gators to get the win in the Swamp tomorrow night. Just more bulletin board material, right? Someone make sure Vince Marrow sees this.

Here’s the rundown.

J.D. PicKell: Florida

ESPN Matchup Predictor: Florida

ESPN’s Jordan Reid: Florida

Florida’s Richardson will continue his hot start by accumulating more than 350 yards of total offense against Kentucky and lead the Gators to a victory. I’m looking for at least 250 passing yards and 100-plus yards on the ground. Richardson’s ability as a competitive runner and explosive arm strength present headaches for defenses and make him a highly intriguing prospect. He will test this Kentucky defense.

CBS Sports Straight Up: Florida

CBS Sports Against The Spread

Sports Illustrated Staff

Pat Forde: Florida

Will Levis vs. Anthony Richardson in a battle of hot QBs looking to seize the moment and elevate their teams in divisional play.

Everyone is chasing Georgia in the SEC East, and in terms of pass efficiency everyone is chasing Bulldogs QB Stetson Bennett. Could the winner here be considered the Dawgs’ prime competition? Tennessee might still have something to say about that, but for now this game looms large in the East pecking order.

Levis made a name for himself last year and brings a rising NFL draft profile into The Swamp. The next step in establishing his credibility would be a big performance against a good SEC opponent—last year his efficiency rating in SEC games was 131.95 (meh) and 172.99 (much better) against non-conference opponents. He was decidedly ineffective against Florida last year, even though the Wildcats won.

Richardson went from talented tease in 2021 to a sensation last Saturday, rolling up 274 yards total offense and three touchdowns against a quality Utah defense and leading the Gators to an upset home win. Kentucky’s ability to get him on the ground will be paramount.

Dash prediction: Florida 27, Kentucky 21.

Bruce Feldman: Florida

I’m not getting off the Anthony Richardson bandwagon now. I like Will Levis a lot too, but I don’t think he has as good a supporting cast. He also really struggled away from Lexington last year, posting a 6-6 TD-INT ratio compared to 18-7 at home.

Florida 30, Kentucky 20
Pick: Florida -6

Stewart Mandel: Florida

This week we’ll quickly find out whether we all overreacted to Gators QB Anthony Richardson’s breakout performance against Utah, because Mark Stoops’ Kentucky defense is going to be well-prepared and ready to come after him. But I’m also alarmed by the Wildcats averaging just 1.9 yards per carry last week against Miami of Ohio.

Florida 34, Kentucky 27
Pick: Florida -6

Bill Bender: Florida

These SEC East rivals have split the last four meetings. The Gators jumped into the Top 25 after a Week 1 upset against Utah. Kentucky might be without running back Chris Rodriguez, who was suspended in Week 1. Quarterback Anthony Richardson stays hot against the Wildcats in a duel with Will Levis, and the Gators continue their hot start with first-year coach Billy Napier. 

Pick: Florida wins 33-26 and COVERS the (-4.5) spread. 

Josh Pate: Florida

Athlon Sports’ Antwan Staley: Florida

The Kentucky-Florida rivalry has given several close contests recently, and Saturday probably won’t be any different. Four of the last five games in the series were decided by 11 points or fewer, including last year when Kentucky defeated Florida by a touchdown.

Levis will pose a lot of problems for Florida’s defense, as he will likely have a massive day through the air. The difference will be Richardson and the Gators’ ground attack. Having multiple running backs who can wear down Kentucky’s defense later in the game will be beneficial.

Richardson should also be able to use his legs to give his receivers more time to get open. This game could go either way, but The Swamp crowd and Richardson late in the game are the difference in a close contest.

Prediction: Florida 31, Kentucky 28

USA Today Staff