Will Stein's Kentucky football team hosts Jon Sumrall's Florida Gators on Saturday night under the lights at Kroger Field. We previewed Buster Faulkner's creative offense and Brad White's struggling defense for the Gators. We also listed our offensive X factors in this football game and players that can make a big impact in this game. We will now do the same for the defensive side of the football.
Jordan Castell
Jordan Castell gets to play his former team on Saturday and we imagine this game will mean a little bit more to him for that reason. Florida fans were not worried when Castell entered the portal and transferred to Kentucky. Castell has played at an All-SEC level this season for the Wildcats, he has four pass breakups and four interceptions on the year
one of which was pick six to win the game at Oklahoma. Castell also has 68 total tackles and three tackles for loss, he needs to have another huge outing on Saturday.
Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
We have said it all season, but Humphrey-Grace has been the most consistent player on the defensive side of the football for the Wildcats this season. Humphrey-Grace is among the leaders in total pressures among power four edge defenders, and he got another sack last week despite Tennessee only having 18 drop backs in the game. Humphrey-Grace leads the team with nine tackles for loss and six sacks on the season. He is tied with Sam Greene with two forced fumbles as well, and they can have a huge day against a Florida offensive line that has had their fair share of issues this season.
Sam Greene
Sam Greene returned last week against Tennessee after dealing with a minor injury. Greene has made game changing plays this season on the edge, and maybe he will be closer to 100% health this week. Greene needs to get back to making those game changing plays against Florida this weekend. This is a spot where Greene could have a massive game because Florida has one of the worst offensive lines in the SEC and they will have their hands full at Kroger Field.
Jayden Woods
Edge defender Jayden Woods has been the best player on Florida's defense all season. Woods is tied with a team-leading 4.5 sacks and he also leads the team with eight tackles for loss on the season. Woods has forced one fumble on the season and can create issues for an offensive line. This is the top player the Kentucky's offense is game planning for on the Gators defense this week, he is the difference maker on that side of the football.
Myles Graham
If Woods is the best player on this Florida defense, linebacker Myles Graham is a close second. Graham will have a ton on his plate this weekend against Kentucky's creative offense that is built off of pre-snap movement. Graham has stuffed the stat sheet this season, he leads the Gators with 70 total tackles on the season. Graham also has five tackles for loss and four sacks on the season, he has to have an exceptional game to slow down the Wildcats offense on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky vs Florida: Defensive x-factors
