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GAME NOTES: The top-ranked Florida Gators continue their run through the SEC, as they travel to Lexington this weekend for a showdown with the Kentucky Wildcats.

The defending national champions opened up conference play with a familiar foe, topping Tennessee in Gainesville last week, 23-13. The win was the 13th straight for Florida, the longest active win streak in the country. Urban Meyer's squad opened the season with routs of Charleston Southern (62-3) and Troy (56-6), before a much stiffer challenge in the Vols.

Kentucky used to be a doormat in the SEC, but no longer. Under Rich Brooks' watchful eye, the Wildcats are slowly playing with much more consistency and confidence. This is the SEC-opener for Kentucky, which posted wins over Miami- Ohio (42-0) and Louisville (31-27) thus far.

Urban Meyer has seen the change in Kentucky's program.

"With all due respect, they really weren't good. When we first got here, the first year, they were bad. Rich is a good friend of mine and what he's done up there is one of the great coaching jobs like what Coach [Bill] Snyder did at Kansas State. Their personnel level right now, I'd group them in the upper third in the SEC as far as talent, and that's across the board. I think very highly of them."

Florida owns a 42-17 advantage in the all-time series with Kentucky and has won the last 22 matchups against the Wildcats, the second-longest active streak between two FBS schools in an uninterrupted series. Florida has won seven straight against SEC East foes.

The Gators had their hands full with the Volunteers last weekend, but a devastating ground attack that amassed 208 yards held Tennessee at arm's length, leading to a 10-point victory. Heisman winner Tim Tebow led the charge with a team-high 76 yards and a touchdown. Tailback Jeff Demps added his fourth rushing score of the season.

Currently, the Gators are averaging a solid 47.0 ppg, getting it done both on the ground (289.3 ypg) and through the air (247.3 ypg).

Tebow is seeking a second Heisman Trophy and has been impressive once again both with his arm and legs. The senior signal-caller has completed just over 67 percent of his passes, for 540 yards and five TDs. He has added three more scores on the ground, part of Florida's 10 rushing TDs to date. Wideout Riley Cooper (13 receptions, for 212 yards, one TD) and tight end Aaron Hernandez (12 receptions, 144 yards, one TD) have been Tebow's top two options down the field.

The Gators have one of the top defensive units in the country and it has been quite apparent in the first three games, with Florida shutting down both the run (95.0 ypg) and the pass (129.0 ypg).

A stellar secondary features All-American candidates in Joe Haden (team-high 18 tackles) and Ahmad Black (17 tackles). Both players recorded their first interceptions of the season against Tennessee. The linebacking corps is headlined by Ryan Stamper (team-high 18 tackles, three TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble) and All-American Brandon Spikes (11 tackles).

Carlos Dunlap highlights the play along the defensive front. The 6-6, 290- pounder has recorded six stops on the year with one sack. He is a player that Urban Meyer has high regard for.

"He's a freak. He does things that a lot of people can't do. He's got over a 35-inch vertical jump and an 88-inch wing span. I love him."

Kentucky possesses a balanced offense that could present some problems for the Gators. The Wildcats are averaging over 200 yards both via the run and pass and are putting up 417.0 yards of total offense in the early going.

Quarterback Mike Hartline has been very efficient over the first two games, completing 70 percent of his passes, for 400 yards and three TDs. Randall Cobb (13 receptions, for 167 yards, two TDs) and Chris Matthews (10 receptions, for 91 yards and one TD) have done their jobs downfield. What has helped Hartline the most has been the play up front. Kentucky is one of just two teams in the nation that has yet to give up a sack (UL-Lafayette is the other).

The ground game is churning out 206.5 yards per game, but lacks a true workhorse, instead getting contributions from several players. Derrick Locke currently paces the team at 5.8 yards per carry. He is also responsible for two of the team's five rushing scores in the first two games and is a real threat in the kick return game, averaging 47.8 yards per return.

Opponents are only averaging 283 yards of total offense per game, but that number is a bit skewed due to a shutout in the season-opener. Still, this is an aggressive unit that makes plays. The team has recorded 12 TFLs, five sacks and four turnovers in the first two games.

The top playmaker is All-American candidate Trevard Lindley in the secondary. The senior cornerback may be the best DB in the country and has certainly gotten off to a good start with seven tackles, four PBUs and one interception thus far. Lindley gets plenty of help in the defensive backfield from sophomore free safety Winston Guy, who leads the way with 18 tackles. Middle linebacker Micah Johnson is a close second in terms of tackles (16), while defensive end DeQuin Evans (seven tackles, two sacks) is the player to watch up front.

Florida has dominated this series for a while now and although win number 23 in a row is imminent, it won't come easy in Lexington. Still, Brooks knows his team is fighting an uphill battle.

"They are obviously a great football team. Defensively they have really no weakness. They have given up one touchdown in three games. Offensively, they have a diverse attack that is difficult to defend. They spread the field, they run it. Their offensive line is not only big and physical, but athletic. And they have Tim Tebow."

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Florida 31, Kentucky 14