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Florida football: Five ways the Gators can tame the Kentucky Wildcats

By Benjamin Henderson

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Gervon Dexter #9 of the Florida Gators takes the field before the start of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Gervon Dexter #9 of the Florida Gators takes the field before the start of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Florida football
Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) is congratulated by wide receiver Justin Shorter (4) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) as he scored a touchdown during the second quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida football: More Ricky Pearsall targets

Billy Napier did what he had to do against Utah to keep the ball moving. This often meant Anthony Richardson staring into the soul of Utah’s front seven and saying “I dare you to tackle me.”

The strategy probably will work against anyone in the country, but there is also a need to limit the hits that Richardson takes. It’s beneficial if Florida can be multi-faceted in its attack.

On Richardson’s 45-yard touchdown run against Utah, Florida caught Utah in man-coverage which left no one from the Utes to keep eyes on Richardson. Kentucky likes to opt for zone more than it likes to opt for man. It may limit Richardson’s running opportunities but it should also open up opportunities in the passing game.

We know from the Utah game that Ricky Pearsall is a fantastic route runner and if Kentucky does play zone, Pearsall should be able to find the open spots to go to and sit in.

Pearsall has to potential to be an automatic first down in this game and Napier would be wise to draw up a few more plays with Pearsall as the primary target.

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