This week, there’s been considerable discussion about the strength of the Kentucky defense this season, which had been impressive, ranking in the top five for points allowed per game and excelling in several other categories. However, that changed dramatically when they faced Florida. Kentucky Coach Mark Stoops described the outcome as a “butt-whooping.”
Following this poor showing, Kentucky’s once-praised defense fell out of the top 10 in all statistical categories. They entered the game allowing just 251.5 yards per game, the fourth-best in the nation, but the Gators overwhelmed them with 476 yards, dropping Kentucky to 12th place at 283.6 yards.
Previously, they ranked 9th in points allowed, conceding an average of 14.5 per game, but their performance against Florida pushed them down to 27th, with an average of 19.3 points allowed. Not all 48 points scored against them were due to the defense, as one touchdown came from a pick-six.
Kentucky was also in the top 10 for rushing yards allowed, giving up just 89.3 yards per game. That figure has now increased to 104.7, placing them at 22nd. They were just outside the top 10 for passing yards allowed, ranking 13th prior to this game. However, their ranking has fallen to 22nd, with an average of 178.9 passing yards allowed, largely due to Florida quarterback DJ Lagway making big plays.
While Kentucky still ranks in the upper half of the nation for defense, the key factor that kept them competitive did not show up in Florida. Stoops characterized the game as frustrating, but it could also be viewed as embarrassing.
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