Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Gators Host Wildcats in Top-20 College Football Matchup

The No. 12 Florida Gators host the No. 20 Kentucky Wildcats Saturday at 7 p.m. in a Top-20 matchup. The last time the Gators faced a ranked Kentucky team was Oct. 20, 2007.

Records Broken Early

The Billy Napier era kicked off last week with a close 29-26 victory over the seventh-ranked Utah Utes. Following the victory, the Gators made their largest jump in school history in the current AP Top-25 ranking format. Florida started the season unranked but climbed to No. 12 in the rankings.

The SEC honored two Gators for their outstanding play against the Utes. Quarterback Anthony Richardson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week, while Brenton Cox Jr. was named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week.

https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/status/1566283636965621761

 

Richardson led the way with 168 passing yards, completing 17 passes on 24 attempts. In addition, the quarterback utilized his legs, rushing for 106 yards and posting three touchdowns on the scoreboard.

Arizona State transfer Ricky Pearsall tallied 67 receiving yards on four receptions, and Xzavier Henderson posted 41 yards on six catches. Meanwhile, Montrell Johnson Jr. rushed for 75 yards on 12 carries against Utah.

Wildcats Rolling

The Wildcats got their season rolling with a dominant 37-13 win over Miami University (OH). Kentucky was led by quarterback Will Levis, who threw for 303 yards and tallied three touchdowns in the victory.

 

Two new faces left their marks on the field for the Wildcats in their season opener. Senior wide receiver and Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson posted 136 yards on six catches. True freshman Dane Key scored his first career touchdown and tallied 53 receiving yards against the Redhawks.

Swamp Advantage

The Swamp provided a home field advantage like no other against Utah. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was packed with 90,799 fans which was Florida’s largest home-opening crowd in school history.

The Swamp is once again sold out this weekend for the Gators’ matchup against the Wildcats.

About Shailey Klein

Shailey Klein is a second-year journalism major specializing in sports and media at UF.

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