The Kentucky Wildcats are now 2-0 after defeating the Florida Gators in Gainesville 26-16. There were a few rough spots early on in the game, however, there is plenty for the program to be excited about after the win, especially in the second half. Here are a few observations of the Wildcats after week two.
Dane Key and Deone Walker are special
True freshman wide receiver Dane Key has made quite an impression early in his young career. After having a nice debut with a few key catches in week one versus Miami (OH) including a touchdown; the former Bronco followed up with an even bigger performance against Florida. Key made some huge catches in week two including an impressive 55 yard catch for a touchdown early in the game.
Deone Walker also made a big splash with a crucial third down stop late in the game. The Detroit native blew up Florida’s blocking up front in a play that helped seal the game. and was impressive for the second straight week. It is very early in both young men’s career, however, it’s easy to see that the Wildcats have found bonafide stars in the making.
Jordan Wright made his presence known in his season debut
The Wildcats senior linebacker made a big impact in his season debut against the Gators. Wright got an impressive interception that led to a Kentucky touchdown right before the end of the first half. Wright was also critical in the containment of Florda quarterback Anthony Richardson throughout the game, which is no easy task. The senior standout is a vital piece to this front seven moving forward and his impact was apparent on the field against the Gators.
Keidron Smith is becoming a playmaker for the secondary
Keidron Smith is quickly becoming a weekly highlight reel for the Wildcats early this season. The Ole Miss transfer got an interception in week one that led to a touchdown and was able to one up that performance against Florida by snagging an interception and taking it to the house for a touchdown. Cornerback was a concern for Kentucky coming into 2022, however, Smith is quickly alleviating those concerns with his play so far this season.
After a rocky start, the offensive line found their groove
Throughout the first half of the game, quarterback Will Levis was running for his life. The Wildcats signal caller took three sacks early on and seemed to be in for a long night. However, not all of that fell on the offensive line. There was also blown blocking assignments by running backs and tight ends that led to the struggle to keep Levis upright. Kentucky struggled early on to get the ground game going as well. However, the big blue wall was able to wear down the Gators defense as the game wore on and was able control the line of scrimmage in both the run game as well as in passing sets. The second half of week two looks much more hopeful up front for the Wildcats.
Mark Stoops has created a new standard in Kentucky Football
To say that Mark Stoops has changed the culture in Lexington is an overused statement at this point. That being said, it is true, Kentucky football has changed under Stoops and with that, there is a new standard. Kentucky has now defeated Florida in three of the last five seasons. Though it is impressive, it is no longer a shock at this point. This team has a lot of work left to do this season, however, as a program, is now in the upper echelon of the SEC and Mark Stoops is now the all-time winningest coach in Kentucky football history.
Larry Spicer will produce a weekly column covering both the University of Kentucky Basketball and Football programs for the L4 Security 13th Region Media Network. He is a resident of Corbin, and is married with two daughters. He is a communications major at Eastern Kentucky University and has covered football from the NFL to College since 2017.
