The Florida Gators travel to Lexington for an SEC showdown with No. 13 Kentucky on Saturday, looking to snap a two-game losing streak and become bowl-eligible after failing to meet the six-win threshold in 2025.
Under first-year head coach Will Stein, the Wildcats average 383.6 yards and 29.9 points per game, ranking No. 70 and No. 56 respectively. Led by quarterback Kenny Minchey, Kentucky produces 219.9 passing yards with completions to wide receivers going for over 10 yards. Minchey has amassed 1,979 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions so far this season. His completion percentage of 69% is fourth best in the conference.
Running back C.J. Baxter has accumulated 541 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, while receiver Kenny
Derby leads the team with 567 receiving yards. Brad White and the Florida defense allowed just two rushes over 10 yards against Oklahoma but surrendered efficient ground gains to the Sooners and were unable to get on the field on third down, resulting in a 15:40 time-of-possession advantage for OU. They'll need to find ways to generate negative plays in order to slow down Baxter's and the Kentucky rushing attack.
Buster Faulkner and the Gators' offense will need to take advantage of a soft Wildcat defense that allows 365.6 yards and 25.8 points per game. It'll be a chance for the unit to get back on track after scoring a combined 15 points against Georgia and Oklahoma. That represents a step down from the 53.5 points they averaged during their 4-0 start.
The Kentucky defense ranks No. 108 nationally in pass defense, giving up 238.2 yards per contest, presenting an opportunity for Tramell Jones Jr. to generate the big plays that helped Florida's offense produce among FBS leaders earlier in the season.
Where the Wildcats' defense has excelled is in the turnover margin. Kentucky ranks No. 7 at plus-10, compared to Florida at minus-three.
Kentucky is coming into Week 11 off the heels of a 34-6 loss to Tennessee that snapped a six-game win streak.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Upcoming opponent stats: Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats
