Florida at Kentucky Football: 5 Things We Learned about the Gators

Twenty-five consecutive years. It has been that long since Kentucky beat Florida in football.

Think about that...the oldest Gator or Wildcat player was at least two or three years from being born the last time UK topped UF. Emmitt Smith wasn't yet a Gator. Shane Matthews was a teenager in Mississippi, and Will Muschamp wasn't old enough to drive by himself.

I could go on and on...

Saturday night brought another chapter in Florida's annual bashing of the 'Cats with the Gators' 48-10 win.

Here are five things we learned heading into next weekend's prime-time showdown with Alabama.

Gerald Christian Can Be a Factor at Tight End

A starting linebacker exiting spring practice, Gerald Christian was moved back to tight end in the summer.

On Saturday, he proved he could be another threat for UF's offense by catching a 45-yard touchdown pass from John Brantley in the first quarter. 

Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey Could Cause Problems for Alabama

It is quite possible Alabama has the best defense in college football (Arkansas might agree with that assessment now).

The Crimson Tide visits The Swamp next Saturday night loaded with future early-round draft picks at linebacker and in the secondary. However, with as much speed as 'Bama has, it doesn't have anyone with the same kind of burners that Rainey and Demps possess.

How fast are Rainey and Demps? Tyson Gay tweeted about Demps during the game.

If the Gator tailbacks can get a an inch or two of space—difficult with the likes of Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower, Mark Barron and Co. bearing down—they can create problems next week for the vaunted Tide D.

Jaye Howard Might Be the SEC's Best Defensive Tackle

On a defensive line loaded with talent and potential, the most veteran member may be its best.

Senior defensive tackle Jaye Howard constantly disrupted the Kentucky offense and even scored a touchdown on Saturday night.

More and more, he's looking like a future first-round NFL draft pick.

Caleb Sturgis Makes UF That Much Better

After missing the majority of the 2010 season with a back injury, there were questions about just how Caleb Sturgis would bounce back.

After all, Chas Henry filled in admirably last year, but he was a punter adding another role. Sturgis is a placekicker, nothing more.

Now, the St. Augustine native might be an All-American placekicker.

After booting a pair of field goals in the first three quarters against UK, Sturgis was 11-for-11 on the season. 

He hasn't had to attempt a truly meaningful field goal so far this season, but when that moment arrives, he sure looks ready to do so.

Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins Are Becoming Playmakers

For a while, Jon Bostis and Jelani Jenkins competed with one another for the same job.

Then, Urban Meyer and his staff decided they both belonged on the field. And now, the two close friends have become playmakers for first-year coach Will Muschamp.

Each linebacker forced a fumble against Kentucky with Bostic's being snagged out of the air by Jaye Howard for a touchdown.