The big game is nearly here as Florida football prepares for its Week 5 Southeastern Conference East division matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Ahead of the Gators’ second SEC fight of the 2023 schedule, members of Swamp247’s staff offered their predictions for the upcoming game.
Blake Alderman predicts a 23-20 finish in favor of Florida. “Realistically this game is a coin flip to me,” he noted. “I do expect Kentucky’s defense to make it tough on Florida, I think the Gators make a few more plays, and play sound enough on defense, to gut out a tough win.”
Graham Hall had nearly the same prediction at 24-20, but expects the Gators to add a point to their total. “How the inexperienced yet promising defensive backfield fares will go a long way in determining the outcome, but I see Florida escaping Lexington with a narrow win.”
Donavon Keiser agreed with Hall submitting a 24-20 prediction of his own. “(W)hile I’m still somewhat unsure which Florida to expect — the one that handled then-No. 11 Tennessee in Gainesville or the one that sleepwalked to a 22-7 win over Charlotte — I’m confident in Austin Armstrong and the Gators’ defense to will Florida to another victory.”
Finally, Jacob Rudner bucked the trend by picking Kentucky by a final score of 23-21. “I’ve gone back and forth with my prediction all week as you can make a strong case for either team but, with Florida on the road and Kentucky likely to blitz early and often, I’m settling on the home team to emerge victorious.”
Kickoff between Florida and Kentucky is scheduled for noon EDT, while the action can be followed on ESPN.
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