Kentucky running back Ray Davis. Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kentucky RB's incredible game sets up showdown vs. Georgia

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/30/23

Kentucky running back Ray Davis had arguably the best individual performance during the early window of college football action in the Wildcats' 33-14 win over Florida, setting up a big SEC East battle with Georgia next Saturday.

Davis had 26 carries, 280 yards and three touchdowns. Entering Week 5, Florida's defense allowed an average of 82 rushing yards per game.

It wasn't as if Davis feasted against a tired Gators defense late in the game, either. He had most of his yards in the first half, including a 75-yarder in the second quarter.

pic.twitter.com/k3SL9NOurX
— go to ➡️ collegefootballnetwork.com (@PickettsPool) September 30, 2023

Kentucky RB Ray Davis in the 1st Half vs. Florida:

12 carries
206 yards
3 Total TDs https://t.co/9IxSWmhYrB pic.twitter.com/Oy8WrPUAUo
— On3 (@On3sports) September 30, 2023

As impressive as that run was, arguably his best was when he easily scored despite Florida's bold strategy of fielding a 13-player defense.

Florida really had 13 PLAYERS on the field and still couldn’t stop #Kentucky RB Ray Davis pic.twitter.com/XhO665XDHk
— Your News About National Football. (@TheNFLNewspaper) September 30, 2023

Florida had THIRTEEN players on the field and still couldn't stop Ray Davis. pic.twitter.com/tOljoFuhc6
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) September 30, 2023

After such a big game, Davis could be forgiven for boasting about it afterward. Instead, he deflected the praise, singling out his offensive line.

“What makes you such a good back?”

“The Big Blue Wall. I didn’t do anything.”

Ray Davis goes for 280 yards and four scores and takes zero credit. Special talent, special kid.
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) September 30, 2023

So far this season, Davis has 87 touches for 740 yards (8.5 yards per touch) and 11 touchdowns.

The job gets harder next week at Associated Press No. 1 Georgia. The Bulldogs have been the best team in college football for the past two seasons and in the SEC East for longer than that.

Georgia (4-0) allows 87 rushing yards per game this season. If it wasn't aware of what Davis could do before, it definitely is after he ran all over Florida's defense.

On Saturday, the Wildcats established themselves as the biggest threat to the Bulldogs in the SEC East. If they hang with them next week, they'll have Davis — and his offensive line — to thank.

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