LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the first time in more than a year, Kentucky football fans have reason to believe their team is trending upward in SEC play.
After snapping a 10-game conference losing streak with a gritty 10-3 win at Auburn last week, the Wildcats return to Kroger Field on Saturday night trying to break another streak — one that's lasted even longer. Kentucky hasn't won an SEC game at home since Sept. 30, 2023, when it beat Florida 33-14 in Lexington.
That opponent returns again this week but so do some of Kentucky's own strengths. The Wildcats' defense shut down Auburn, holding the Tigers to their lowest home scoring output in 13 years. True freshman wideout Cam Miller made a game-saving strip on an interception return. Redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley has settled in, completing 75 of his last 103 passes for 749 yards and six touchdowns in his last three outings.
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It's been a slow grind, but Mark Stoops said this team is "steady in its approach." A win over Florida — the same Gators team Kentucky beat in each of its last two home meetings — would mark real momentum.
Florida, meanwhile, arrives in transition. The Gators are 3-5 under interim coach Billy Gonzales, having just played Georgia to a 24-20 loss in Jacksonville. Quarterback DJ Lagway remains a threat with his arm and legs, and freshman back Jadan Baugh has emerged as one of the SEC's toughest runners to bring down.
The Gators have history on their side — they've won 34 of the last 38 meetings in this series and 20 of the last 23 in Lexington. But they've also lost their last two games at Kroger Field.
Something has to give. Here's a look at the matchup:
The Time
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Kroger Field (61,000), Lexington, Kentucky
How to Watch / Listen
TV: SEC Network (Tom Hart play-by-play, Jordan Rodgers analyst, Cole Cubelic sideline). Streaming: ESPN app (cable authentication required)
Radio: UK Sports Network, 630 WLAP-AM / 840 WHAS-AM / UKAthletics.com (Tom Leach, Jeff Piecoro, Dick Gabriel). Satellite Radio: SiriusXM 106 or 190.
The Line
Spread: Florida -3 (DraftKings). Over/Under: 44.5.
Notes: Florida is 3-5 against the spread this season; Kentucky is also 3-5. Florida has hit the under in six of eight games; Kentucky has hit the over in four of seven. The implied final score is Florida 24, Kentucky 21
The Coaches
Kentucky: Mark Stoops (13th season, 70-78 UK / 80-78 overall)
Florida: Billy Gonzales (Interim head coach, 0-1 career)
Series History
Overall: Florida leads 54-21. In Lexington: Florida leads 22-12. Last Meeting: Florida won 48-20 on Oct. 19, 2024, in Gainesville. Trend: Florida has won 34 of the last 38, but Kentucky has won the last two in Lexington.
The Records
Kentucky: 3-5 (1-5 SEC), coming off a 10-3 win at Auburn
Florida: 3-5 (2-3 SEC), coming off a 24-20 loss to Georgia
Players to Watch
KENTUCKY
The emergence of quarterback Cutter Boley has breathed new life into the offense. In his last three games, the redshirt freshman has thrown for 749 yards and six touchdowns while completing more than 70 percent of his passes. Freshman receivers Cam Miller and DJ Miller have also made timely contributions, with DJ hauling in a pair of touchdowns against Tennessee and Cam forcing a game-saving fumble on an interception return at Auburn. Wideout Kendrick Law has become a big-play threat. Running back Seth McGowan continues to be a key presence in the backfield, ranking top 10 in the SEC in both rushing touchdowns and yards per game. On defense, linebacker Alex Afari Jr. leads the way in tackles, while safeties Ty Bryant and Jordan Lovett have each come up with two interceptions this season. Edge rusher Steven Soles Jr. ranks among the SEC leaders with two forced fumbles.
FLORIDA
Playmaking quarterback DJ Lagway has passed for 1,679 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Though he's also thrown nine interceptions, Lagway remains a dual-threat presence capable of generating big plays through the air or on the move. Running back Jadan Baugh has been one of the most effective backs in the SEC, averaging over 85 yards per game with five touchdowns, 22 catches, and a top-three mark in missed tackles forced. Young receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson have combined for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns in recent weeks. Defensively, the Gators are among the best tackling units in the country, with top-10 national grades in tackling and run defense according to PFF. Center Jake Slaughter anchors an offensive line that has allowed just 14 sacks through eight games and ranks top five in the SEC in run blocking.
Quick Sideline Storylines
FAIRWEATHER FANS: Florida hasn't played in Lexington in November since 1991, usually visiting Kentucky in the more balmy month of September.
STREAK BUSTER: Kentucky's win at Auburn was its first SEC victory since Sept. 2023, also against Florida.
TEMP JOB: Billy Gonzales is Florida's seventh interim head coach in school history.
TOUGH SLEDDING: Kentucky has played the fifth-toughest schedule in the nation this season, per Sagarin.
HISTORY ON THE SIDELINES: Stoops holds Kentucky's all-time coaching wins record (70) and most bowl appearances (7).
The Pick
Kentucky 20, Florida 17
Florida's defense has traveled well, and DJ Lagway has big-play potential. But Kentucky's defense is trending up, and this feels like the kind of game that turns on one turnover, or one special teams spark. The Cats are getting steadier. The Gators are in flux. A night crowd in Kroger Field might just tip it.
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