Florida vs. Kentucky Prediction, Odds and Spread for College Football Week 5
By Reed Wallach
The No. 10 Florida Gators travel to Lexington to face the 4-0 Kentucky Wildcats.
Can Kentucky announce themselves as a legitimate New Year’s Six Bowl candidate, or will the Gators cover the considerable spread and show that they are a legitimate contender in the SEC East.
Here are the odds for Saturday night’s showdown, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Florida vs. Kentucky Spread, Odds and Total
Spread
Florida: -7.5 (-115)
Kentucky: +7.5 (-1050
Moneyline
Florida: -320
Kentucky: +250
Total: 55 (Over -110/Under -110)
Kentucky vs. Florida Prediction and Pick
The Gators hung tough against Alabama, asserting themselves on the ground with quarterback Emory Jones, who is a tough ask to tackle, but a poor passer. Florida averages more than seven yards per carry but the issue for Dan Mullen’s team is that this Kentucky team thrives at stopping the run. The Wildcats allow less than three yards per play.
UF will have explosive QB Anthony Richardson back, and Mullen has been trotting both him and Jones out, but I’m counting on the Wildcats doing well in early downs to force the Florida offense to pass.
Kentucky has typically been an anemic offense, but this season the team has been much more efficient, just plagued by some bad turnovers, 11 on the year. However, the Gators have only turned their opponent over three times this season.
If Kentucky can protect the rock, it is going to be able to move against this defense. Penn State transfer quarterback Will Levis has opened up the passing game with Nebraska transfer wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (25 receptions, 402 yards and two touchdowns).
Robinson is a dangerous vertical threat, and we saw Florida struggle with the deep ball against Alabama. Not to mention, the Wildcats have the SEC’s leading rusher in Chris Rodriguez Jr. This is not your father’s Kentucky offense, they can put up points.
At anything over a touchdown, I’m on the home team. This is the Gators first true road game in SEC play with a primary QB who is not adept at pushing the ball down the field, averaging just 167 passing yards per game on 6.5 yards per pass attempt. If the Gators fall behind, the UF offense can sputter quickly when it is forced to go to the air.
Keep an eye on the status of six players for Kentucky as well, who had charges dropped against them from an issue last year and were suspended, notably several key secondary players. They could be available this weekend.
Pick: Kentucky +7.5, play to +7
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