It’s almost time for the 2023 edition of classic rivalry between the Florida Gators and Kentucky Wildcats. The Orange and Blue will travel to Lexington as underdogs and coming off a mediocre, 22-7, win over the Charlotte 49ers in Week 4.
Head coach Billy Napier spoke to the media Thursday afternoon to preview Saturday’s contest, and highlighted the matchup between Florida defense and Kentucky’s receiving corps.
Napier said he respects the Kentucky program and UK head coach Mark Stoops.
“Ton of respect for Coach Stoops and the program that he’s built, the brand of football that they play, and obviously for us it’s an SEC opponent,” Napier said. “There’s a certain mentality that comes from playing on the road in this league.”
The second year head coach said the Gators defense is off to a good start, but the thick of the SEC schedule is just ahead.
“Well, we’re off to a good start,” Napier said. “I do think we will continue to be challenged every week in our league. We played a good quality defense (against Charlotte). I think the exciting thing, we are in year two in the system.”
“I think we’re doing a better job making use of our time,” Napier continued. “Anticipating what’s next. The teacher is in year two, not just the student. I also think that we’ve added some really good pieces there from a personnel standpoint. Significant inside players. Some really good young players on the edges and in the secondary.”
The Florida secondary will face a significant challenge on Saturday. The Wildcat wideouts have been the main weapons for the offense. Napier noted all the returning wideouts for UK like sophomores Dekel Crowdus and Dane Key.
“I think they’re capable of run after catch plays,” Napier said. “I think they can win one-on-one matchups, and there’s vertical passing game, the shots, the movement passes. So, they do a good job of distributing the ball to all those guys. And I think they’re good players.”
Kentucky receiving leader Tayvion Robinson has been been cutting through defenses while running his routes. The redshirt senior compiled 283 receiving yards on top of three touchdowns this season.
The Florida Gators defense will face the defensive challenge in Lexington when they face off against the Kentucky Wildcat offense, kicking off at noon EDT and broadcasting on ESPN.
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