The Florida Gators struggled with poise in their first away SEC game and blew a golden opportunity to establish themselves as an SEC contender. In their 20 - 13 win, the still undefeated Kentucky Wildcats played just well enough to allow Florida to give away the game. Statistically, the Gators who always seem to struggle against Kentucky, weren’t bad. The problem, from start to finish, was penalties. Of the Gator’s eye popping 15 penalties, 12 were against the offense and killed or stalled promising drives. Clearly, a noisy away stadium in the SEC brings a set of challenges for offensive linemen. Three of Florida’s offensive linemen had significant SEC away game experience, but center Kingsley Eguakun did not. Several of the 9 illegal procedure penalties appeared to be the result of late center snaps with more than one Gator moving in unison before the snap. On a couple others, it was impossible on replay to see who moved early.

The most critical negative sequence for Florida came with 8:44 left in the third quarter and the Gators leading 10 to 7. Florida’s Tra’vez Johnson intercepted a Will Levis pass and returned it to the Kentucky 16 yard line. Unfortunately, Antonio Valentino was called for a “blind block”, away from the action, on the return and the Gators began their possession at the 31 instead of the 14. On third down and three to go at the Kentucky 24, Florida had a Damian Pierce ten-yard run called back for holding (on Eguakun) and ultimately settled for a 48 yard field goal ATTEMPT. The kick was blocked and returned for a Kentucky touchdown. Instead of a possible 17 - 7 or (at least) 13 - 7 lead, Florida trailed 10- 14.

Don’t tell the fire Todd Grantham crowd, but the Gator’s defense was solid again this week. Their “bend but don’t break” approach kept Florida in the game, despite Florida’s offensive problems, to the very end. Of Kentucky’s 20 points, only 13 came against the defense and 7 of those came on a Kentucky drive that began at the Florida 29. Notably, the Wildcats ability to convert the post-turnover short field into a touchdown when Florida failed miserably in a similar circumstance was the difference maker. This week, the fan criticism will be on Dan Mullen and his offense instead of on Grantham’s defense. It’s a what have you done for me lately world.

On offense, the Gator’s had nearly 400 yards of total offense. Emory Jones was more than solid. It was the inability to survive self-inflicted wounds (penalties) on virtually every offensive possession that prevented Florida from converting yards to points. The difference between great teams and good teams is that ability to survive tough breaks and tough environments. Florida isn't quite there yet.

The Gators will follow next week’s home game against Vandy with a trip to one of the noisiest stadiums in the nation. The LSU crowd makes Kentucky's seem sedate by comparison. Hopefully, Florida uses the full two weeks to better prepare for the crazy, loud environment at Death Valley.