Florida turns to DJ Lagway in clash vs. Kentucky

Field Level Media|published: Wed 16th October, 09:32 2024

Oct 5, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) scrambles past UCF Knights defensive back Chasen Johnson (27) and UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Kentucky and Florida have been sorting through problems this season, but one of these teams should feel better by the end of the weekend.

The Wildcats and Gators will meet in a Southeastern Conference game Saturday night in Gainesville, Fla.

Both teams are stinging after disappointing losses last week.

Florida (3-3, 1-2 ) has to figure out how to move forward without quarterback Graham Mertz, who sustained a season-ending ACL tear in Saturday's 23-17 overtime loss at Tennessee.

So the pain is compounding for the Gators, who will try to grab a homecoming triumph.

It means that freshman DJ Lagway will move into a starting role at quarterback. He completed 9 of 17 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown with one interception in relief against Tennessee.

"I think there's some excitement in terms of DJ and what he has been able to accomplish," Florida coach Billy Napier said, pointing out that Lagway had played in every game. "I think he'll be much better prepared. ... He will benefit from taking all the first-team reps for the entire week."

Kentucky (3-3, 1-3) was unable to build off its upset at then-No. 6 Ole Miss on Sept. 28 and lost 20-13 at home to upstart Vanderbilt last week. This will be the second road game of the season for the Wildcats.

"Our team has responded before, and I anticipate we'll do the same thing," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. "We have a big challenge playing in the Swamp and playing a Florida team that is getting better and better."

The Wildcats compiled 23 first downs last week but managed only 13 points. It marked the third time this season that Kentucky scored 13 points or less.

"You obviously need to get the ball in the end zone," Stoops said. "You just got to punch it in."

The Wildcats committed a season-high 12 penalties vs. Vanderbilt.

"Offensively, we're falling short," Stoops said. "There's a very fine line between success and failure, and we are definitely shooting ourselves in the foot."

Demie Sumo-Karngbaye is Kentucky's top rusher with 380 yards, with almost twice as many yards as any other player on the team.

"I see a guy who's gaining more confidence and getting better," Stoops said.

The coach said there are similarities between Kentucky and Florida.

"They're a team much like ours; it's a very thin line between success and failure," Stoops said.

Napier knows this is a crucial game for the Gators as well.

"There will be an opportunity here for our team to learn and respond," he said.

--Field Level Media