Weekend Open Thread: Gators facing formidable opponents

The Florida Gators have 11 teams ranked in the top-25 in their respective sports - all teams which are either in action or posed to start their seasons. Several Florida teams, ranked and unranked, face big challenges this weekend, starting with Gator gymnastics taking on the top-ranked Sooners Friday night. Both basketball teams are going up against ranked Kentucky units and Florida men’s tennis renews its rivalry with Florida State in a televised event.

Below you’ll find what is happening in Gator sports this weekend, as well as how to follow along.

Friday, February 1

Swimming and diving
Florida vs. Tennessee, 4:30 p.m.: This weekend’s home meet kicks off today with the women’s 1-meter and the men’s 3-meter, before swinging into full gear on Saturday.

Track and field
Virginia Tech Elite, 5:00 p.m.: For the third whole-team meet of the year, the Gators head to Blacksburg. Florida had a successful indoor season and looks to continue that trend as competition moves outdoors.

Gymnastics
Florida at Oklahoma, 7:45 p.m.: A huge match-up is on deck for the Gator gymnasts as second-ranked Florida travels to take on top-ranked Oklahoma in Norman. The two programs - winners of five of the last six NCAA Championships - are meeting for a dual competition for the fifth time since 2007.

Saturday, February 2

Swimming and diving
Florida vs. Tennessee, 10:00 a.m.: It’s Senior Day for the water Gators on Saturday in Gainesville. The bulk of the meet takes place this day, with various relays, freestyle, backstroke, and fly races taking place.

Track and field
Virginia Tech Elite, 12:00 p.m.: Florida continues competition in Virginia. The Hokies are hosting Miami, North Carolina, and East Carolina in addition to the Gators.

Men’s basketball
Florida vs. Kentucky, 4:00 p.m.: After sealing an overtime win over Ole Miss earlier this week, the Gators turn their attention to the No. 7 Wildcats, who come to Gainesville on a seven-game winning streak.

Men’s tennis
Florida vs. Florida State, 6:00 p.m.: The Gators want to notch another win over a Sunshine State squad this weekend. Florida returns to the USTA College MatchDay courts in Lake Nona after extending their win streak over UCF to 19-0 earlier in the week. This rivalry game will be televised on the Tennis Channel.

Sunday, February 3

Women’s golf
Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge, All day: Florida is in action on the links for the first time in 2019. The Gators will be in California for the annual Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge this week. The tournament kicks off the women's golf spring season each year.

Women’s basketball
Florida at Kentucky, 2:00 p.m.: The Gators are on the road again against the No. 19 Wildcats. Florida is hoping it can snap a four-game skid and win their first road contest of the season.

And here are your schedule tables for this weekend’s events.