Photo credit/UK Athletics
Number 20 Kentucky’s defense pitched a shutout in the second half, and Keidron Smith’s 65-yard interception return ignited a signature 26-16 win over No. 12 Florida before 89,993 fans in The Swamp on Saturday night.
Smith’s pick six came with 3:25 remaining in the third quarter and Kentucky never relinquished the lead.
The victory moved head coach Mark Stoops to the program’s all-time winningest mentor, surpassing Paul “Bear: Bryant. Kentucky won back-to-back for the first time in Gainsville since 1976-77.
Kentucky, now 2-0, trailed at the break 16-13 because of two crucial special teams’ breakdowns. A poor snap on a punt resulted in a safety, and a poor snap on a PAT attempt cost the Cats three points.
Quarterback Will Levis hit Dane Key with a 55-yard TD pass play to give UK a 7-3 lead with 11 minutes, 36 seconds left in the second period. Levis passed for 202 yards. Key had three catches for 83 yards.
Running back Kavosiey Smoke rushed 14 times for 83 yards.
Levis scored on a one yard run with 1:25 left before halftime to make it 16-13.
Matt Ruffalo’s 24-yard field goal tied the game with 6:35 remaining in the third quarter. His 26-yard kick with 1:24 left put it out of reach.
Kentucky will return to Kroger Field next Saturday to host Youngstown State (2-0) in a Noon kickoff.
At Gainesville, Fla.
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
UK (2-0)……0 13 10 3 – 26
UF (1-1)…….3 13 0 0 – 16
Scoring:
First Quarter
UF – Adam Mihalek, 39-yard field goal, 10:03
Second Quarter
UK – Dane Key, 55-yard pass from Will Levis (Matt Ruffalo kick), 11:36
UF – Adam Mihalek, 50-yard field goal, 10:01
UF – Trevor Etienne, 11-yard run (Trevor Etienne, pass from Anthony Richardson), 5:49
UF – Poor snap on punt, kicked out of endzone for safety, 4:12
UK – Will Levis, 1-yard run (poor snap), 1:25
Third Quarter
UK – Matt Ruffalo, 24-yard field goal, 6:35
UK – Keidron Smith, 65-yard INT (Matt Ruffalo kick), 3:25
Fourth Quarter
UK – Matt Ruffalo, 26-yard field goal, 1:24
Next Up: Kentucky (1-0) vs. Youngstown State (2-0), Noon, Sept. 17.