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Kentucky Football: Keys to Victory vs Florida Gators

By Jordan Ison

LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Mark Stoops of the Kentucky Wildcats is seen during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Kroger Field on September 9, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Mark Stoops of the Kentucky Wildcats is seen during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Kroger Field on September 9, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Stephen Johnson
COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Stephen Johnson /

Establish the Run Game Early

The Wildcats were able to do this against South Carolina on Saturday, and it helped them to establish an offensive rhythm. Kentucky wasn’t afraid to pound the ball down Carolina’s throat, running the ball 47 times in that game. Benny Snell led all Kentucky backs with 32 carries for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

The run game clearly opens up for the passing game, but it also exhausts defenses. Going against a strong defense in the Florida Gators, the Cats need to use every advantage they can get. Don’t be surprised if Kentucky runs the ball 50+ times in Saturday’s game.

With a very strong Florida secondary, receivers may not be open downfield for Stephen Johnson to connect with. Instead of forcing passes, expect an experienced Johnson to tuck it and run when he sees nothing available in his immediate routes.

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