Florida Gators Need To Be Wary of Potential Upset Against Kentucky

On Saturday, the Kentucky Wildcats (3-0) will be taking on the No. 9 Florida Gators in Gainesville in what should be an interesting matchup. Though the odds are stacked against Kentucky, there is still the small possibility of an upset. 

Florida has won 23 straight games against the Wildcats, yet this may be the year Kentucky pulls off a victory. First of all, Florida's offense is struggling, especially their passing attack in which they are averaging 150 passing yards per game. Also, the trio of Mike Hartline, Randall Cobb, and Derrick Locke have the ability to take over a game and run up the score. 

All three of the aforementioned players will be in the NFL come next year. Locke, who decided to return for his senior season instead of enter the NFL Draft last year, is having a fantastic start and is arguably the best running back in the SEC other than Alabama's Mark Ingram.

The 5',9" 190 pounder reached the 2,000 yard mark for his career last week after he gained 166 yards and scored two touchdowns against Akron. Locke currently leads the SEC in rushing yards with 372 and is tied for the most rushing touchdowns with five in the SEC.

Even though Kentucky is 3-0, they have not really played tough competition in teams such as Louisville, Western Kentucky, and Akron. This SEC opener will be their first real test as they take on a Florida team who has a great secondary in Will Hill, Ahmad Black, and Janoris Jenkins.

The Gators have only allowed 14 points per game against tougher teams in South Florida and Tennessee. The Wildcats will be Florida's toughest team offensively as they are 11th in scoring with 44 points per game.

If Kentucky can get its offense going early with some big plays by Locke and Cobb, they will have an opportunity for a win. The Wildcats must also stop talented offensive threats in Jeffrey Demps and Deonte Thompson. 

It may be a bold prediction, but I will say that underdog Kentucky will come out with a win even though overall the Gators have better players and are more talented. I believe Florida will be overlooking Kentucky and will only be concerned with next week's game against No. 1 Alabama.

The final score will be 42-35 UK.

Next up for the No. 9 Gators is No. 1 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Next up for the Wildcats is Ole Miss at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.