In their most disappointing performance of the season, Kentucky football suffered a 21-14 loss to Florida. It wasn't so much the loss that bothered fans, though. They looked listless on offense, and couldn't get stops when it mattered on defense. It wasn't a blowout, like the week before at Tennessee, but it was their worst loss of the season nonetheless.
Up and down the box score, there wasn't much to be happy about. The running game never got going, and averaged just 2.3 yards per carry. It didn't matter who was in the backfield, the Wildcats just couldn't find success.
The passing game wasn't a whole lot better. Kenny Minchey got off to a red hot start, and got the Wildcats out to 7-0 lead. However, after that, they couldn't get any sustained
drives. Their other touchdown came on a short field after a failed onsides kick from Florida.
On defense, surrendering just 21 points doesn't sound bad. In the second half, though, the tackling was poor, and Gators quarterback Aaron Philo broke big runs over and over, and ended up with over 100 yards rushing.
It was an ugly loss, even if it was a close game. Here's whose stock is up after the loss, and whose is down.
Stock up - Willie Rodriguez
Rodriguez was one of few players who stood out on Saturday. He caught five passes for 62 yards, which isn't gaudy, but more than one were tough grabs and/or third down conversions. He continues to shine, and has an NFL future.
Stock down - Kentucky tackling
The second half of the game was a clinic on how not to tackle by the Wildcats. Philo, in particular, on nearly every play bounced off a Kentucky defender at least once. Florida marched down the field without having to throw the ball, which was their path to winning.
Stock down - Kentucky play-calling
There were multiple times in the game where the Wildcats called some questionable plays, or made questionable decisions. A run on 3rd and 11 late in the game looked bad. Going for it on 4th an long down just seven points turned out badly. Predictable 3rd down runs by Brennan Ward and Mikkel Skinner in the first half went nowhere and ended drives. Unfortunately, there were several of those moments that cost Kentucky throughout the game.
Stock down - Offensive line
It wasn't the best night for the big blue wall either. They struggled to block a very good Florida defensive line, and Minchey faced a lot of pressure. The run game also never got going. Malachi Wood, in particular, had a hard time in pass protection, but Lance Heard was also called for a hold in the endzone that is a safety.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Stock up, stock down from Kentucky loss to Florida
