Until recently, Florida’s only concern against Kentucky was how it would extend its decades-long winning streak rather than if. The trend has shifted, and the No. 22 Gators face a different challenge in reversing a two-game slide against the unbeaten Wildcats after three losses in five meetings. “It’s been addressed,” Florida quarterback Graham Mertz said this week.
If the 22nd-ranked Gators (3-1, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) are going to accomplish anything beyond making a middling bowl, they need to find similar success outside Gainesville. Florida has lost 14 of its last 16 games away from Florida Field, a staggering stretch of futility for a program accustomed to competing for championships. Coach Billy Napier’s team will try to end a five-game skid in road or neutral-site games when it plays at Kentucky (4-0, 1-0) on Saturday.