The Florida Gators had a dominant win over Kentucky with a final score of 48-20. Jadan Baugh had a standout performance, scoring five touchdowns in the game. This tied the school record previously held by Tim Tebow and Trey Burton. Baugh, making his first career start in place of the injured Montrell Johnson, rushed for 106 yards against Kentucky’s tough defense.
In addition to Baugh’s impressive performance, freshman quarterback DJ Lagway stepped up in the game, making his first league start and throwing for 259 yards. Lagway completed key passes, including five that gained over 40 yards. Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike were among the receivers who contributed to Lagway’s success in the game.
Despite Kentucky’s efforts, including standout plays by Barion Brown with a touchdown reception and a kickoff return for a score, they struggled to keep up with the Gators. Florida’s offense capitalized on Kentucky’s weaknesses, with Baugh leading the charge with his five touchdowns.
The Wildcats had a tough night, giving up a season-high 476 yards and struggling on fourth down conversions. Florida’s balanced offensive approach, including using unbalanced lines to keep Kentucky guessing, proved effective in securing the win.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will face Auburn next Saturday, while Florida will have a week off before taking on rival Georgia in Jacksonville. The Gators celebrated their 1984 team, despite the controversial stripping of their SEC title that year. Overall, it was a solid performance for Florida, easing some pressure on coach Billy Napier.
In a standout moment, cornerback Cormani McClain, a five-star recruit, made a dazzling debut with an interception returned for a touchdown. However, his taunting of the receiver during the play led to penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct. Despite this, McClain’s performance added to the excitement of the game for the Gators.
Overall, Florida’s win over Kentucky was a strong showing for the team, with key performances from Baugh, Lagway, and McClain. The victory sets the stage for upcoming matchups and keeps the momentum going for the Gators as they head into their bye week.
