FSU football fans had the weekend off as the Noles were on a bye week. It was an opportunity to have a stress-free weekend and watch some other games, notably other teams the Noles will face later this season.
One game I mentioned to take note of was the rival Florida Gators traveling to face the Kentucky Wildcats. Florida was fresh off an upset win over previously ranked No. 11 Tennessee, but I think that game was more an indictment of what Tennessee isn’t and more than what Florida is.
Florida was a one-point underdog against Kentucky, but it was never that close. Kentucky led 23-7 at halftime and coasted in the second half to win 33-14. The supposed strength of the Florida team was its defense, but Kentucky bullied them on the ground, rushing for 329 yards.
Kentucky QB Devin Leary only passed for 69 yards in the game but did throw one touchdown pass. Florida’s rushing attack was nullified, only rushing for 69 yards and no touchdowns. Florida QB Graham Mertz went 25 of 30 for 244 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception.
However, much of that production came in garbage time, with Kentucky sitting back and letting the clock run. Just as quickly as Florida entered the top 25, they’ll exit after the loss.
Fan Reaction
Y’all hear that ? That’s right it’s quiet, ain’t no gators on the TL🤐
— FSU 13-0 (means nothing)… ATL 5-6…😤 (@_SnapBackT_) September 30, 2023
Kentucky running back Ray Davis got 7 rushes for 141 yards in the first Quarter vs UF sheeesh lol
— young shiner💎 (@OCobbs) September 30, 2023
How long before they start back talking about recruiting?
— Franklin Saint ❄️ (@_fresh_princeee) September 30, 2023
Kentucky escorting Florida back out the Top 25. pic.twitter.com/SNSQwuDvjF
— Jaguar Paw (@sirdibbydukes) September 30, 2023
bro did all that rambling just to get thrashed by a bad Kentucky team 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/eLxlO2aSPA
— The Tomahawk Chop (@michaeljflynnn) September 30, 2023
Them games getting played ain’t it.. pic.twitter.com/jDg0EFM0Aj
— Big Neek (@itsmedubble_d) September 30, 2023
This man that was undefeated against Kentucky as UF's head coach pic.twitter.com/IZ7CJNeei5
— FSU Reddit (@RFSUSports) September 30, 2023
UF fans were trying to say the gators had a top 5 defense lol
— He Cant Flickett (@NeightFSU) September 30, 2023
Gator fans gonna say Mertz played well again, even though any real ball-knower could see the Kentucky defense played soft coverage in the second half to limit big plays and sit on the lead.
— Will (@wfsunole11) September 30, 2023
Parting Thoughts
Florida has two winnable games coming up against Vanderbilt and South Carolina. Well, they may not want to count those chickens before they hatch against Vanderbilt with how last year went for them.
However, after that, it’s a murderer’s row of Georgia, Arkansas, LSU, Missouri, and Florida State. The margin of error is razor-thin, and the Gators could be in danger of missing a bowl if they have any slip-ups against teams they should beat. The respect my decision season in recruiting might be right around the corner.