Behind Enemy Lines: A look at the matchup from a Florida Gators expert

We spoke with a Florida Gators expert to get their perspective on Kentucky's football's battle with Florida.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Sep 28, 2023 1:49 PM EDT

In this story:

The Kentucky Wildcats will host the #22 ranked Florida Gators in an epic SEC East clash.

One of the main talking points of this ball game is the winner is the second-best team in the East behind the Georgia Bulldogs.

We spoke to Nick Marcinko of Gator Country to get his perspective on this ball game and tell us a little bit more about the Gators.

Let's see what he has to say about the Gators and this ball game.

1- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the 2023 Florida Gators?

Marcinko- The strength of Florida’s team through four games is their defense, which may come as a surprise after a disastrous 2022 season. Newly hired defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong has left a great first impression with Gator Nation, as Florida is among the best in the country in many areas defensively. The only area of concern on defense has been the lack of turnovers, as Florida has forced just one through four games.

Another strength would be Florida's offensive playmakers. QB Graham Mertz is surrounded by a pair of dynamic playmakers in Ricky Pearsall and Eugene Wilson, who both grade out as top 30 wide receivers in the FBS through four weeks, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Gators' weakness to this point in the season has been the offensive line. Florida should get a boost here as starting center Kingsley Eguakun is expected to return against Kentucky after working his way back from a lower-body injury.

2- How do you expect the Gators’ defense to handle Devin Leary?

Sep 23, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Devin Leary (13) throws a pass against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports — © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Marcinko- I think the key for the Gators will be to create turnovers by causing pressure. Florida hasn’t been able to create very many sacks this season, but they have done an excellent job of affecting opposing quarterbacks with constant pressure. The Gators’ secondary is a mix of veteran and younger players, and I think they are up for the challenge.

3- How do you think Graham Mertz will fare against Kentucky’s defense?

Sep 16, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) fakes a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports — © Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Marcinko- Mertz has been Mr. Consistent all year long, and I do not expect anything to change in week five. Mertz has done exactly what the coaching staff has asked him to do, but we haven’t seen too many deep shots downfield or explosive plays, which could be a difference-maker in week five.

4- What does Florida need to do to end Kentucky’s two game winning streak.

Sep 23, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) celebrates after after scoring his second touchdown on an interception against the Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports — © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Marcinko- Florida needs to limit the explosive plays from Kentucky’s offense and make them drive the length of the field. They will need to tackle well in open space and not let the dangerous Wildcat wide receivers get behind the secondary.

5- What are the keys for the Gators’ offense against Kentucky?

Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) celebrates his tackle against Akron in Saturday's game at Kroger Field in Lexington. Hairston had seven tackles in the game. Sept. 16, 2023 — © Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Marcinko- The key will be to create explosive plays with Ricky Pearsall and Eugene Wilson. I imagine Stoops will put an emphasis on stopping the run, and the Gators will need to capitalize throughout the game.