Home College Football Gators End Wildcats’ Winning Streak with Dominant 48-20 Victory

Gators End Wildcats’ Winning Streak with Dominant 48-20 Victory

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Courtesy Of the Florida Gators Athletic Communications

Gainesville, FL– In a pivotal SEC clash, the Florida Gators ended the Kentucky Wildcats’ three-game winning streak with a commanding 48-20 win at Florida Field. The victory was critical for head coach Billy Napier and young quarterback DJ Lagway, as the Gators, who hold a 53-21 all-time advantage over Kentucky, reasserted control in the series.

Napier had been under pressure, with Florida losing four of the last six meetings against Kentucky, including two of the previous three in Gainesville. However, Lagway, making just his second career start, delivered a stellar performance. He went 7-for-14 in passing for 259 yards, rushed for 46 yards, and completed five passes of over 40 yards. Lagway stepped in for Graham Mertz, whose college career ended the previous week due to a knee injury against Tennessee.

First Half – Defense and Momentum Shifts

Florida opened the scoring with a 29-yard field goal on their first drive, but Kentucky’s third-ranked defense quickly asserted itself. Despite a 13-yard run and a 40-yard pass from Lagway, the Gators were held to another field goal.

After a strong defensive stand by Florida, Kentucky responded with a flea-flicker touchdown but missed the extra point, leaving the Gators ahead. Lagway fired back with a 50-yard pass to freshman receiver Jaden Baugh, who finished the drive with a touchdown. This marked the first time in Florida history that two freshmen—Lagway and Baugh—started together.

Late in the first half, Lagway led another scoring drive, highlighted by a 58-yard completion that set up Baugh’s second rushing touchdown, extending Florida’s lead to 20-6. Following a key interception by Devin Moore, the Gators added another Baugh touchdown. Kentucky responded with a stunning 99-yard kickoff return by Barion Brown, closing the gap to 27-13 at halftime.

Courtesy Of the Florida Gators Athletic Communications

Second Half – Florida’s Dominance Prevails

Kentucky cut Florida’s lead to 27-20 with a short touchdown run early in the third quarter. However, Lagway led an immediate response, driving the Gators down the field for a 77-yard drive, capped by Baugh’s third rushing touchdown.

Baugh continued his dominant performance, adding a fifth touchdown late in the fourth quarter, tying a Florida record held by Tim Tebow and Trey Burton. He finished with 106 rushing yards as part of Florida’s 197-yard rushing attack against Kentucky’s stout 10th-ranked rushing defense.

Lagway kept the offense rolling, completing a 44-yard pass on a crucial third down, setting up yet another Baugh touchdown, extending the Gators’ lead to 34-20. Kentucky’s offense faltered, with Florida’s defense shutting down their attempts to mount a comeback. Baugh’s record-tying fifth touchdown and a late interception returned for a score by Kamran James sealed the 48-20 win for Florida.

A Statement Win for the Gators

Florida’s balanced attack, which racked up 197 rushing yards against one of the top defenses in the country, sends a strong message as the Gators head into their bye week. Napier and his team will need to stay focused as they prepare for a tough stretch, beginning with their rivalry game against Georgia, who improved to 6-1 after defeating Texas.

Final Score: Florida 48, Kentucky 20.

Up Next:

Kentucky plays Auburn next Saturday at home.

Florida gets a week off before facing rival Georgia in Jacksonville.