This game was pretty interesting to watch. Everyone said that this was Kentucky’s year–like every year. Playing at home, being 3-0, and Florida coming off a miracle, it seemed that more people were buying into this notion than usual. Only for the fourth time since the Gator win streak began, Kentucky held a lead going into the fourth quarter. But much like the previous 30 years, Florida was able to get out of there with a win.
Despite what the clueless media or biased fans say Kentucky was not the better team nor did they outplay Florida. As I go over the game I will explain why this is foolishness.
Why they didn’t have the better team
To start off, immediately after the game people said that Kentucky was the better team.
Kentucky was the better team and lost on complete foolishness from many corners. I don't know when I will get over this one
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) September 24, 2017
I hate to break it to everyone, but the team that makes the bigger mistakes and loses the game isn’t the better team. Never in my life have I seen a wide receiver left completely uncovered twice that went for scores, and both were coming out of a timeout no less. Those were just the big mistakes that everyone is talking about, here are more big mistakes that make me laugh when I hear people say Kentucky was better.
Kentucky had a 3rd & Goal from the six and the center snaps over Johnson’s head losing 18 yards. So instead of potentially going up 28-14 they have to settle for a field goal to go up 24-14, which proved to be critical. Nick Haynes had a critical holding penalty that knocked Kentucky out of field goal range. Finally, letting Luke Del Rio come cold off the bench, when the game seemed over, let him lead the way to Florida’s epic comeback.
Why they didn’t outplay Florida
Then there is the notion that Kentucky “outplayed” Florida.
Florida – got outplayed up and down the field , gutsy win , not sure who the qb is gonna be but more issues in run defense that need fixing
— Booger (@ESPNBooger) September 24, 2017
So let’s look at some stats as well as go over what actually happened during the game.
For starters, Florida won the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball for a majority of the game. Sure, it did not seem like it from the scoreboard, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The fact is that a large part of Kentucky’s offense was big plays. Of the 340 yards Kentucky gained, 188 of them came on eight plays that were 20 yards or more. So if you do the math the other 51 plays that Kentucky ran only got them 152 yards. That is only 2.9 yards per play. Not very good if you ask me.
As for Florida, they did not have many big plays, only two that went for more than 20 yards. Despite this, they were able to get yards more consistently and effectively, which wore down the Kentucky defensive line and it showed in the fourth.
Then there is the big difference in how both teams played in the second half, and especially down the stretch in the fourth. After Kentucky grabbed the 21-14 lead, the Florida defense stepped up big time, only allowing 89 yards of offense in the final 27:11 of the game. Kentucky was able to get the only turnover of the game, with very favorable field position and could’ve put this game to bed, but they went three and out.
As for the Kentucky defense, they folded like a piece of origami paper when it mattered the most. The last two drives that Florida had, they allowed 138 yards, let Florida convert two fourth downs and get two touchdowns while taking 9:17 of the final 11:27. Teams who are outplaying their opponent make those stops.
Summary
So if you didn’t feel like reading all this here are the cliff notes:
- Florida won the line of scrimmage on both sides and it showed down the stretch.
- Florida was more consistent with their offense and did not live or die on the big play like Kentucky.
- Florida’s defense shutdown Kentucky for a majority of the second half.
- Florida made the big plays when it mattered the most.
- While coaching on both sides were bad, Kentucky’s coaching was way worse.
- Kentucky made more critical mistakes.
- Kentucky got beat by Florida’s backup.
Watching what I watched and looking at the stats, I find it very difficult to believe that Kentucky was both the better team and also outplayed their opponent. Especially since they lost. Less than intelligent minds who are upset that they picked the wrong team will tell you different. But, never in the history of football has a team who has better talent than the other team and outplayed them in the game lost. Never.