The No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats (4-0, 2-0 SEC) host the No. 9 Florida Gators (3-1, 1-1) Saturday at 6 p.m. ET at Kroger Field. Below, we look at the Florida vs. Kentucky odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Kentucky has played one of the softest schedules in the country, and while it enters this matchup undefeated, it won each of its last three games by 7 or fewer points. This team’s calling card has been its defensive play, particularly against the run, as the Wildcats are allowing just 87.8 rushing yards per game (21st nationally).
Florida has had a tougher path to this one; its only blemish is a 31-29 loss to No. 1 Alabama in a game that could have gone either way. The Gators showed no signs of a hangover after that loss as they pummeled the Tennessee Volunteers 38-14 at home last week.
Florida has a lethal rushing attack that is the best in the nation at 7.5 yards per carry. QB Emory Jones has looked better in every game, most recently going 21-for-27 with 2 TD and 0 INT last week.
Florida at Kentucky odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Florida -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Kentucky +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
- Against the spread (ATS): Florida -7.5 (-110) | Kentucky +7.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)
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Florida at Kentucky odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Florida 35, Kentucky 24
Money line
Florida has won this matchup 33 out of the last 34 times; the lone Wildcat win since 1987 was in 2018. Kentucky hasn’t shown enough to warrant even a small-unit dart, so PASS on the money line and target the spread.
Against the spread
Although Kentucky is 3-1 ATS it hasn’t shown the ability to pull away from some pretty soft competition. Florida is hitting its stride with comfortable conference covers in each of their last two games against Alabama and Tennessee.
Take FLORIDA -7.5 (-110) here; don’t worry that they’re on the road.
Over/Under
These two teams are a combined 5-3 on the Over so far through their eight combined games. Florida is hitting its stride offensively and Kentucky should score just enough to push this OVER 55.5 (-103).
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