Florida vs. Kentucky: GatorMaven staff picks and predictions

GatorMaven editors Zach Goodall and Graham Marsh predict the outcome of Saturday's game.

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The Florida Gators are in revenge mode as they travel to face the Kentucky Wildcats, looking to reignite a winning streak that Terry Wilson and company broke last year in The Swamp.

Wilson, however, won't be a factor in today's matchup, as he suffered a torn patellar tendon last week against Eastern Michigan. He will miss the remainder of the season due to the injury, and graduate transfer Sawyer Smith - formerly of Troy University - will take his place as the Wildcats' signal-caller.

Smith, however, has experience in similar situations to what he is doing for Kentucky. Last year, he became Troy's starting quarterback as Kaleb Barker was sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Smith finished the season with a 62.2 completion percentage, 1456 yards, 11 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions, with a 5-2 record and a win over Buffalo in the Dollar General Bowl.

With all of that being said, here are GatorMaven editors Zach Goodall and Graham Marsh's picks and predictions for today's game. Florida is currently the 9.5 point favorite, according to OddsShark.

Zach Goodall: Florida 27, Kentucky 20.

I see the Wildcats covering the spread today, but Florida walks away victorious and avenging the loss of their 31-game win streak over Kentucky last year. 

Sawyer Smith has a history of leading teams after the starting QB goes down with an injury, and perhaps he can do that for Kentucky this year. But it won't start against the Gators and their ferocious pass rush, despite Kentucky's OL only allowing four pressures this season.

All in all, Florida's defense will be a ton to handle, even if cornerback C.J. Henderson doesn't play. Smith has only ever seen action against Power 5 squads twice, throwing an interception against Clemson and only running the ball against Nebraska.

Florida needs to get their run game now, but expect QB Feleipe Franks to have a good day as Kentucky's secondary has struggled against the deep ball this year.

Graham Marsh: Florida 26, Kentucky 17.

Yes, it’s the first true road test for the Gators. Yes, they haven’t looked as crisp as everyone probably hoped to start the season. But hitting your stride as a team takes time, and UF is no exception to that. 

The Gators are more talented than Kentucky, and in my opinion, better coached. Kentucky will probably start strong early. The Wildcats will feed off of the home crowd and the film to watch on Sawyer Smith is limited. But as the game wears on, look for Florida to finally get the running game going and make necessary adjustments to Smith’s game. 

Field goals early for Florida, and touchdowns late define this game and get the Gators back to Gainesville 3-0.