Kentucky @ Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2009 ) Florida 41, Kentucky 7

The Florida Gators look to continue their dominance over Kentucky on Saturday.

The Gators have won 23 straight games against the Wildcats, the second longest active streak in FBS. Overall, the Gators are 24-4 against Kentucky in Gainesville, where the Wildcats last won in 1979. The Gators trounced Kentucky last season, 41-7, but a win could prove more difficult this season as the Wildcats, like the Gators, are 3-0. There’s a feeling in Kentucky that this could be the year that the Wildcats finally beat the Gators.

No. 8 Florida has scored at least 31 points in each of its three games, but the offense continues to struggle at times, particularly early in games. In fact, the Gators have yet to score in the first quarter. Problems with the shotgun snap persist, and quarterback John Brantley hasn’t set the world on fire in replacing Tim Tebow. The Gators rank 103rd in passing yards with 150.7 per game. To his credit, Brantley is completing a respectable 62 percent of his passes and has five touchdowns without an interception.

The Gators will try to uncork Jeff Demps after he was kept in check for the first time this season in last week’s 31-17 victory over Tennessee. Demps, who averaged better than 12 yards in the first two games, was held to 73 yards on 26 carries, a 2.8 average. In two seasons, USC transfer Emmanuel Moody has yet to make a major impact with only 79 rushing yards, with a long of 9.

The Gators have been more impressive on the defensive side, where they haven’t allowed more than 17 points and they’re tied for first in the nation with 12 forced turnovers, including a nation-leading 10 interceptions.

Beating the Gators would be huge for the Wildcats, who haven’t had much success in SEC play. In the last four seasons, Kentucky is 18-2 in non-conference play and only 12-20 in the SEC. The Cats have used a balanced attack to win their first three games while averaging a gaudy 44 points (11th in country). Quarterback Mike Hartline has thrown for 680 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Derrick Locke has rushed for 372 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Wildcats’ ground game, ranked 15th with 242 yards.

Kentucky hasn’t committed a turnover so it will be an interesting match as it faces Florida’s opportunistic defense. Florida must avoid looking ahead to next week’s matchup against No. 1 Alabama.

Florida defensive tackle and team captain Lawrence Marsh is questionable with a forearm injury. Cornerback Moses Jenkins will be out a few more weeks with a hyperextended elbow.

Kentucky defensive end DeQuin Evans is questionable with an undisclosed ailment and fullback Moncell Allen is doubtful (hamstring).