If Florida’s week one game against Utah provided the Gator fan base the sense of optimism needed to validate Billy Napier‘s hiring, week two against Kentucky provided these same fans the dose of reality needed to help them manage expectations. Rebuilding a program from the ground up is an arduous process that takes time, especially in the SEC where the margins are tight. While many fans initially comprehend the need for patience, unexpected early success often confuses their perspective. Longer-term, sustainable, success is based on programmatic factors that take time to instill. Until teams have built a culture of accountability and recruited depth at all positions, they will be vulnerable to inconsistent play and injury or fatigue related vulnerabilities. Both of these factors impacted the outcome of this week’s Florida versus Kentucky game.

Even within the context of taking two steps forward and one step backward, the Kentucky game was hard to accept for most Florida fans. The Gator offense was virtually absent from start to finish. The 16 - 7 Florida lead with 4:12 remaining in the first half was a reflection much more on a solid first half defensive effort and Wildcat miscues. The Gators’ early offensive problems were based mostly around Florida quarterback, Anthony Richardson’s, struggles with passing accuracy and a Kentucky defensive scheme that accounted for Richardson’s running ability. The Wildcats prioritized defending the run game (linebackers in the box) and deeper passes (cover 2 in the secondary). This creates passing opportunities with crossing routes and mid-range curl routes. Unfortunately for Florida, Richardson’s early issues with accuracy prevented the Gators from taking advantage of what was given them. Had Florida been more successful, Kentucky would have had to drop linebackers into coverage (opening up the run game) or brought a safety up (creating opportunities for deeper passes).

The single biggest turning point in terms of momentum was when Florida not only failed to extend the 16-7 lead by closing out the first half with a good offensive possession, but turned the ball over to Kentucky at the Gator 6 yard line for a short-field touchdown. What could have been a 23-7 or 19-7 halftime score was 16-13 instead.

Still, even with such a rough first half, Florida had a half-time lead and an opportunity to turn things around offensively. The Gator defense did their part to seize momentum by stuffing Kentucky’s first possession of the second half. From this point through the rest of the game, however, the Gators accomplished just 91 offensive yards, 5 first downs, and zero points. Kentucky wasn’t prolific either, but used a pick six and two successful drives (one of them just 16 yards) to score 13 points and squeeze the life out of the Gators.

Even with this disappointing loss, there were high points worth noting. The Florida defense fought hard and made the Wildcats earn every yard. Kentucky averaged less than 2 yards per carry when running the ball. In pass defense, other than one 55 yard touchdown on a well-defended 50/50 ball, the Gators allowed only 147 yards on 23 attempts. Florida continued to play, on both sides of the ball, with more poise than last year. There were only three Gator penalties for the game and one of these was a very questionable (and critically damaging) roughing the passer call. The call gave Kentucky a first and goal at the 3 yard line instead of third and goal at the 6 yard line.

Florida, again, played many younger players including true freshmen. Post-game, the key players (especially Richardson) and coaches were accountable and accepted responsibility for mistakes. The consistent narrative from all was a commitment to learn and grow. Even the Florida fan base was mostly resolute through disappointment at the missed opportunity. The week ahead brings a 24 point underdog, in the University of South Florida, to The Swamp and delivers the Gators an opportunity to move forward and beyond the Kentucky game. The Bulls, no doubt, will use the blueprint provided by Kentucky to game plan for Richardson and the Gators. The outcome on Saturday will be a reflection on how well this Florida team learns and grows.