Florida turnovers spark Kentucky victory, 38-7

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky took advantage of four Florida turnovers and Cutter Boley threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns as the Wildcats handled the Gators 38-7.

Seth McGowan ran for two touchdowns, and Dante Dowdell scored on a 65-yard run in the first home SEC win for Kentucky (4-5, 2-5) since a 33-14 win over Florida on Sept. 30, 2023.

Gator quarterback DJ Lagway was picked off three times in the first half before being replaced by freshman Tramell Jones Jr. after halftime. Kentucky scored 10 points off the Florida (3-6, 2-4) miscues.

Boley completed passes to 10 different receivers, including scoring passes of 29 yards to J.J. Hester and 15 yards to Jason Patterson.

The Takeaway

Florida: The Gator defense came into the game 32nd in the nation in points allowed per game at 20.5. But the turnovers put them in a tough position, and they gave up 401 total yards.

Kentucky: After consecutive wins, there is a path, albeit a tough one, to the postseason. Kentucky hosts Tennessee Tech, No. 5 in the FCS coaches poll, next Saturday. With a win next week, a victory on the road over No. 15 Vanderbilt or No. 14 Louisville would make the Wildcats bowl eligible.

Calzada makes wrong headlines

Former Kentucky starting quarterback Zach Calzada has apologized for a social media video he posted showing him flashing $100 dollar bills in response to being criticized. The transfer quarterback hurt his shoulder and then lost his starting job to Boley after two games. After the video went viral Thursday and made national headlines, Calzada posted an apology. The Kentucky athletic department stated, “Zach has taken responsibility for his actions. He has done the right thing and apologized. Now, it’s time to move forward.”