GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators and Kentucky Wildcats will face off for the 75th time on Saturday, continuing a rivalry that dates back decades.
Florida holds a 53-21 edge in the all-time series, with 29 of those wins coming at home in The Swamp. However, the momentum has shifted in recent years, as Kentucky has won three straight against the Gators — a streak that Head Coach Billy Napier and his team are determined to end.
Napier, who is still searching for his first win over Kentucky since taking over at Florida, spoke highly of the Wildcats ahead of Saturday's game.
"When you turn on the tape, you see a team that has the height, length, and speed, and has an identity at all three phases that can create issues for you," Napier said.
Last season, the Wildcats handed Florida a 33-14 defeat, a loss that still lingers in the minds of many Gators players.
"What happened last year, what they did, it's still something I think about," said defensive back Jordan Castell. "As a defense, it was embarrassing."
Florida plans to lean on its defense to set the tone Saturday.
"Our goal is to create three turnovers a game, just to help out the offense," Castell said.
The offense, however, faces challenges following the loss of starting quarterback Graham Mertz, who tore his ACL and is out for the season. Freshman DJ Lagway will take over under center for the remainder of the year.
Napier expressed confidence in the young quarterback's ability to handle the pressure.
"DJ has this ability to rise to the occasion and rise in big moments," Napier said.
Castell added that Lagway's demeanor has already made an impression on the team.
"DJ's full of confidence. He can throw a pick, and on the next drive, he's coming right back at you," Castell said. "He plays with so much swag."
Offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson knows the Gators will need to be at their best to overcome Kentucky's stout defense.
"They've got a good front seven, and that's the biggest challenge for us," Crenshaw-Dickson said.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:45 p.m. as Florida looks to end Kentucky's recent dominance and get back on track in the SEC race.