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The Kentucky Wildcats (3-3, 1-3 SEC conference) will travel to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to take on the Florida Gators (3-3, 1-2 SEC conference) in Week 8 on Saturday. Kentucky's two-game winning streak came to an end after losing 20-13 to the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The Wildcats will be looking to redeem themselves against the Gators to have a chance to qualify for the bowl games this season. Florida is also entering Week 8 after a loss to the Tennessee Volunteers. This SEC showdown will further shape how the season will play out for both these teams.
Here are three Kentucky players who could prove to be a test for Billy Napier's team in their Week 8 contest.
3 Kentucky players Florida needs to watch out for in Week 8
#1. Brock Vandagriff
QB Brock Vandagriff will need to put his best foot forward for his team to have a chance against Florida. The Wildcats have not managed to put a lot of points on the scoreboard (No. 114 nationally). Vandagriff will have to utilize the dynamic receiving corps for the Wildcats' offense to flourish.
Vandagirfff spent three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring this offseason. He was a part of Kirby Smart's 2021 and 2022 teams that won back-to-back national championships.
So far in six games for Kentucky, Vandagriff has tallied 951 passing yards and five TD passes. The O-line will have to ensure their QB gets enough time in the pocket to make offensive plays that put them at an advantage.
#2. Deone Walker
Defensive tackle Deone Walker will be an important player on the field against the Gators. He has been a part of the team since 2022. Three games into his freshman campaign, the DT was named as a starter for Kentucky.
So far this season, Deone Walker has put up a total of 20 tackles along with 0.5 sacks and one pass defended. The Gators can score, thus Walker and the other defensive players will have to continue putting pressure so that they can capitalize on any mistakes Billy Napier's team makes.
#3. Barion Brown
Wide receiver/return specialist Barion Brown will be another key part of Kentucky's offensive firepower against Florida. Last season, he finished with a total of 539 receiving yards and four touchdowns with 43 receptions and was honored as a First-Team All-American.
Brown will have to be consistent with his plays and help the Wildcats put more points on the scoreboard. So far this season, he has 214 receiving yards and two touchdowns. If Vandargriff can find his momentum with Brown, then the Gators could have a hard time defending against them.
Who do you think will win when the Florida Gators host the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
