Florida's turnovers establish pricey towards Kentucky in SEC Major 25 struggle

No. 20 Kentucky intercepted Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson twice, like just one Keidron Smith returned 65 yards for a landing, and the Wildcats toppled 12th-rated Florida 26-16 on Saturday in the Swamp to notch consecutive wins in the sequence for the initially time in 45 a long time.

Richardson was off all night, a stark distinction from last week’s a few-landing, turnover-free performance from then-No. 7 Utah. He experienced two throws in this one that have been comprehensive head-scratchers, and the Wildcats (2-, 1- Southeastern Convention) built him pay dearly.

Linebacker Jordan Wright, cleared to participate in Thursday following sitting out the opener, produced a one-handed catch on Richardson’s move to the flat late in the next quarter. Will Levis scored 3 performs afterwards.

Richardson’s 2nd decide was a lot more egregious. He seemingly misinterpret a defensive alignment and threw a pass to the extensive facet of the field that Smith easily picked off. Smith returned it down the sideline and had to juke only Richardson to make it to the close zone.

It was the third of a few significant performs that gave Kentucky back again-to-back wins above Florida (1-1, -1) for the initial time due to the fact 1976-77.

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Kentucky quarterback Will Levis warms up before an NCAA university football activity from Florida, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (G3 Box News Photograph/John Raoux)

Levis related with Dane Key for a 55-garden score in the initial 50 %, a throw that showed why Levis is projected to be a initial-round draft choose in 2023.

Twenty-two scouts from 15 NFL teams had been on hand for the recreation. Most of them likely have been there to see Richardson. None of them could have been amazed with what the 3rd-year sophomore did in his third career start out.

The Gainesville native finished 14 of 35 passes for 143 yards. He also ran 6 times for 4 yards. Kentucky stacked the line of scrimmage and compelled Richardson to be a pocket passer, obviously understanding that the Gators have handful of difference-makers outside of their quarterback who appeared like a budding star seven days earlier.

Levis was noticeably greater. He accomplished 13 of 24 passes for 202 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. The choose was a excellent enjoy by Florida defenders Brenton Cox and Gervon Dexter. Cox pressured Levis and deflected the go, and Dexter produced a diving capture.

Kentucky Wildcats extensive receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) against the Florida Gators prior to the activity at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Kim Klement-Usa These days Activity)

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THE TAKEAWAY

Kentucky: The Wildcats are far from delicate. SEC Network analyst Roman Harper identified as the Cats "a little little bit softer" than Florida on the Paul Finebaum Display earlier this week, and Kentucky gamers vowed to use it as motivation. Kentucky was dominant in the next 50 percent, outscoring the Gators 13- after intermission.

Florida: The Gators expended the final week acquiring patted on the again soon after beating Utah and might have been ripe for a letdown. Irrespective, the Wildcats exposed weaknesses and showed Florida even now has a lengthy techniques to go below to start with-yr mentor Billy Napier if it would like to catch up in the SEC East.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

With No. 6 Texas A&M and No. 8 Notre Dame shedding at residence before Saturday, Florida experienced a possibility to move into the top rated 10 in the subsequent G3 Box News college or university soccer poll. Instead, the Gators are absolutely sure to drop guiding Kentucky.

MILESTONE VICTORY

The victory moved mentor Mark Stoops earlier Paul "Bear" Bryant for the most wins (61) in Kentucky’s soccer record.

Important Accidents

Kentucky free protection Jalen Geiger was carted off the area in the 2nd quarter with what appeared to be a really serious leg harm. Crew trainers placed an air solid on his remaining leg before helping him onto the cart and driving him off the field.

Florida right tackle Michael Tarquin injured his appropriate ankle in the second and limped to the sideline. Austin Barber replaced him.

Andru Phillips #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators 26-16 in a sport at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

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UP Future

Kentucky: Hosts Youngstown Point out of the Soccer Championship Subdivision up coming Saturday. Stoops was born in Youngstown, Ohio.

Florida: Hosts South Florida upcoming Saturday, the Gators’ third household sport in as several months. Florida is 2- in the in-condition series, profitable in 2010 and 2021.