Florida Hands Kentucky worst loss in 12 years

Florida takes a CHOMP out of the Cats

When a school chooses a team to play on homecoming, the norm is to play a team that you can easily beat and that is exactly what Florida did, as they demoralized the Kentucky Wildcats 63-5.

Kentucky stopped Florida on their initial drive and then mistakes made on Kentucky’s punt unit caused a quick 14-0 deficit within less than the first five minutes of play. With an early deficit it was important for the Wildcats to match the scores or at least show some type of offensive promise, which failed as well. In the first quarter the Wildcats had just 1 first down on 46 yards and were 0 for 5 on third downs.

To switch things up in the second quarter, Rich Brooks went to Randall Cobb at quarterback. Cobb instantly sparked the offense but could not amount it to points. As the offensive woes continued, the Gators continued to capitalize with scoring drives of 90, 76, and 80 yards. Entering half time, the game was already a run away with the Gators on top 42-3.

Out of half time, again was inserted Mike Hartline at quarterback and on the first play he threw into coverage. The ball was picked off and ran back to the endzone for another easy score for the Gators. With a 49-3 lead, the Gators continued to pour it on the Cats in order to make a statement to the rest of the college football world. On Florida’s next offensive drive, they controlled the ball for nearly 9 minutes to amass 78 yards and score yet again.

The Kentucky Wildcats had no answers for the SEC’s best offense. To this point in the season, the Wildcat defense prided themselves on stingy defensive play as they have held their opponents to a mere 11.9 points per game, Florida however, was able to exploit Kentucky’s weaknesses and have their way in both the rushing and passing game. The Gators converted on 50% of thier 3^rd downs and amassed 446 total yards.

The Wildcats offense could not build any momentum on the late emotional win a week ago against Arkansas. Drives continually failed as Kentucky went 5 for 17 on third downs. Kentucky accrued only 268 total yards and NO offensive touchdown scores.

This loss was the worst since 2005, when the Wildcats went into Baton Rouge and lost 49-0. The Cats had not lost by more than 55 since 1996, when Steve Spurrier’s Florida Gators shut out Kentucky 66-0.

With the momentum killing and demoralizing loss it is hard to see where the Wildcats can go from here. Next week they will head to Starkville and play a Mississippi State team that embarrassed a ranked Kentucky squad in the Commonwealth last year.