Jacquez Jones was used to playing in big games at Ole Miss. (Ole Miss Athletics Photo)
Jacquez Jones made a lot of tackles during his three years at Mississippi before transferring to Kentucky and admits he likes playing against teams that primarily run the football.
“That’s my favorite, when coach (Mark) Stoops tells us on Monday that they love to run the ball, me and Marquan (McCall) start clapping,” Jones said. “That’s our type of game. We like to stop the run.”
Jones should be in heaven on Saturday night when UK hosts No. 10 Florida. The Gators lead the Southeastern Conference in rushing.
“That’s what it’s going to be, who can stop who, and I feel like we’ve got an edge,” Jones said Wednesday.
Kentucky, No. 23 in the coaches’ poll this week, is 4-0 with SEC wins over Missouri and South Carolina.
“Being undefeated is great but we’re going against Florida, who is obviously ranked Top 15, so I feel like it’s going to be a big challenge for us, especially since they like to run the ball and we’re a good run defense,” Jones said.
Florida’s quarterbacks — Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson — have combined for major rushing yards and Richardson is back available this week after missing two games with a hamstring injury.
“Emory is fantastic and can beat you with his arm and his legs. He looks more and more comfortable with every rep,” Stoops said on the SEC teleconference.
He said Richardson has “incredible arm strength but also can run through you.”
Jones is used to big-game atmospheres. He played against Alabama, LSU, Auburn, and Texas A&M the last three seasons. Jones knows what his teammates need to do Saturday night.
“My best advice is to play it as a regular game,” Jones said. “Of course, it’s a ranked game but just play it as a regular game. Just play football as you know it and everything will come.”
