Kentucky Wildcats

No. 25 Florida looks to make it 32 straight against Kentucky

Published Sep. 6, 2018 12:02 p.m. ET

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Kentucky (1-0, 0-0 SEC) at No. 25 Florida (1-0, )-0 SEC), 7:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network).

Line: Florida by 13½.

Series record: Florida leads 51-17.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

The nation's longest current streak in an uninterrupted series. Florida has won 31 consecutive games against Kentucky, including a 28-27 victory last year in which the Gators overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats last beat Florida in 1986 and haven't won in Gainesville since 1979.

KEY MATCHUP

Florida's defense versus Kentucky's Benny Snell, who said at Southeastern Conference media days in July that he's the best running back in the league. Snell carried 20 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the opener against Central Michigan. Florida allowed 222 yards on the ground, including a 70-yard gain, against Charleston Southern.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kentucky: QBs Terry Wilson and Gunnar Hoak. Wilson is expected to start, but no one would be surprised to see Hoak. Both played in the opener, partly because Wilson left the game with a bruised shoulder. Wilson completed 11 of 18 passes for 78 yards, but had two interceptions and a fumble. Hoak completed 4 of 9 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Florida: DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson guaranteed a victory against the Wildcats, saying the streak will "be 32 after Saturday." Gardner-Johnson had five tackles, including two sacks in the opener.

FACTS & FIGURES

Only three uninterrupted series have had longer streaks than Florida's over Kentucky. Notre Dame won 43 in a row against Navy (1964-2006). Nebraska won 36 straight against Kansas (1969-2004). And Oklahoma won 32 consecutive against Kansas State (1937-68). ... Three of past four meetings decided by six points or less. ... Florida has won 13 consecutive SEC openers. ... Kentucky's Mark Stoops is 0-5 against Florida as head coach, but went 4-1 against the Gators as an assistant at Miami (2001-03) and Florida State (2010-12). ... Florida's Dan Mullen went 8-1 against the Wildcats during his tenure at Mississippi State.

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