GAME NOTES: The 14th-ranked Florida Gators own a 20-game winning streak over the Kentucky Wildcats, who have earned the eighth spot in the AP poll after last weekend's huge victory over then top-ranked LSU. For just the third time in the history of the series between these SEC rivals, both teams enter the contest ranked. Florida appeared to be a major national championship contender through the first four games of this season, as all four resulted in victory. Unfortunately, the Gators dropped a three-point decision to Auburn and a four- point decision to LSU the next two weeks, seemingly crushing their hopes for a repeat title. Urban Meyer's squad was idle last weekend, giving the coaches and players time to prepare for a red-hot opponent this weekend. Kentucky is flying high after last week's 43-37 triple-overtime win over LSU, the program's first victory over a No. 1 team since 1964. The triumph was significant because it came on the heels of the 'Cats first loss of the season, a 15-point setback at South Carolina that ended with the Gamecocks' fans chanting "overrated." Rich Brooks has turned around this Kentucky program in a short time, and while the club is already bowl eligible at 6-1, the goal now is clearly an SEC title. Florida owns a commanding 40-17 series edge over Kentucky.

The Gators have put up big offensive numbers this season as expected, as they are averaging 39.7 ppg and 449.5 total ypg. It all starts with the quarterback, as sophomore Tim Tebow is one of the finest athletes in all of college football. Big, strong, quick and poised, Tebow has thrown for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns against only three interceptions while completing 65.5 percent of his passes. Also, the versatile signal caller paces his club in rushing with 500 yards and nine touchdowns. There are many outstanding receivers on the roster, but none more dangerous than game-breaker Percy Harvin. Tebow threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the narrow loss to LSU two weeks ago. Unfortunately, he was only able to complete 12-of-26 passes against arguably the nation's best defensive team.

Opponents are scoring 21.0 ppg against Florida, which is allowing 324.2 total ypg. Stopping the run has been an area of strength for the Gators, who are limiting foes to 94.0 ypg and 2.9 ypc. The pass defense has been a bit more inconsistent, as there have been some big plays made through the air against Florida. There have been a number of great defensive players that have passed through the Gator program, and while no one is putting up huge numbers this year, Derrick Harvey is a man to watch. The end has recorded three sacks and has a tremendous motor. The defense certainly could have played better against LSU in the most recent outing, as the Gators permitted the Tigers to rack up 247 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

Kentucky all-world quarterback Andre Woodson did not play well in the loss to South Carolina, and some said that his Heisman hopes took a major hit in that contest. Clearly, however, Woodson is back in the race for college football's top individual honor, as he put forth a stellar performance against arguably the best defensive football team in the land. In the six-point triumph over LSU, it was Woodson's seven-yard touchdown pass to Steve Johnson that proved to be the difference. He finished with 250 passing yards and three scores to go along with a rushing touchdown, and all of the positives overshadowed a pair of interceptions. Johnson made seven catches for 134 yards, and the team won without standout tailback Rafael Little who missed the game with an injured groin. Little is listed as questionable for this weekend. Kentucky is averaging 42.7 ppg this season to go along with 460.0 total ypg. The fact that the Wildcats are posting 200 ypg on the ground to complement Woodson's passing speaks to their balance. Speaking of Woodson, he has thrown 21 touchdowns against only four interceptions.

Kentucky surrendered 403 total yards to LSU last week, including 261 rushing yards on 50 attempts. While the effort by the defense wasn't dominant by any means, a close look reveals that the unit does deserve some credit for helping to earn the upset victory. After allowing a touchdown in the first overtime period, Kentucky limited LSU to just a field goal in the second extra session. Then, in the third overtime, the Wildcats blanked the Tigers, sealing the victory. Opponents are averaging 26.4 ppg and 381.3 total ypg against Kentucky, which has struggled to stop the run. Opponents are gaining 4.7 ypc against the 'Cats, an area in obvious need of improvement. With 16 sacks and 16 takeaways on the books, there has been a decent amount of big plays made by Kentucky.

Kentucky is the higher-ranked team in this matchup and has the advantage of playing at home. So why is Florida the smart pick? Well, if for no other reason, it is hard to imagine an Urban Meyer-coached team losing three straight games.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Florida 31, Kentucky 28