The Gators (3-0, 1-0 SEC East) scored a 23-21 win over Tennessee as defensive end Alex Brown emerged to lead a previously suspect defense. Brown sacked Tee Martin five times for 29 yards, intercepted a pass, forced a fumble and broke up two passes.  Now he becomes the problem for Kentucky (2-1), which is playing its conference opener. Quarterback Dusty Bonner and an inexperienced offensive line will have to deal with Brown, who could not be controlled by Tennessee's experienced unit.

The Gators have beaten Kentucky 12 straight times and are a three-touchdown favorite. Florida has a 32-17 lead in the all-time series and figures to increase that advantage with its powerful offense.  The point average scored against UK has been 52. Last year's game, which came while Hurricane Georges was stirring up the Atlantic Ocean, was an aerial shootout in which the Gators prevailed, 51-35. There was more than 1,000 yards of total offense put forth by the schools in that game, which featured Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch, the top overall pick in the NFL draft.

Florida's quarterback, Doug Johnson will be without his top receiver, Travis Taylor, who will miss three to four weeks with a high ankle sprain. Taylor has 16 receptions for 244 yards and five touchdowns.  His replacement as the No. 1 wideout is Darrell Jackson. Alex Willis is expected to take the other starting role. Bonner, the eighth-ranked quarterback in the nation, will try to outduel Johnson, who is 22nd. The pair have combined for 1,985 yards and 22 touchdowns in just six games.