The No. 10 LSU Tigers (4-1, 1-1 SEC) visit the No. 25 Kentucky Wildcats (4-1, 2-1) Saturday night for a 7 p.m. ET (ESPN) kickoff from Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Let's analyze college football odds around the LSU vs. Kentucky odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
LSU has won back-to-back games after dominating McNeese 63-14 last week, failing to cover as a 54.5-point home favorite with the Over (62.5) hitting with ease. QB Sam Leavitt threw for 177 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception, while the Tigers truly excelled on the ground. As a team, they rushed for 366 yards and 6 TDs, with RB Harlem Berry (15 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD) and RB Stacy Gage (6, 110, 2) leading the way in the easy
victory.
Kentucky enters on a 3-game winning streak after taking down South Carolina 35-34 in overtime last week, covering as a 2.5-point road underdog with the Over (52.5) hitting without a sweat. QB Kenny Minchey threw for 272 yards and 3 TDs, with his biggest throw of the game being the 2-point conversion pass to TE Willie Rodriguez to win the game.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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LSU at Kentucky odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 2:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): LSU -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Kentucky +280 (bet $100 to win $280)
- Against the spread (ATS): LSU -8.5 (-115) | Kentucky +8.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
LSU at Kentucky picks and predictions
Prediction
LSU 31, Kentucky 27
Moneyline
PASS.
There is minimal value on the Tigers (-350) to handle the Wildcats on Saturday.
Against the spread
BET KENTUCKY +8.5 (-110).
The Wildcats have covered in each of their last 3 games, including twice in which they entered as underdogs and won those games outright. The Tigers are on the opposite end of the spectrum, having failed to cover in 3 of their 5 games, including an outright loss in their only road game of the season, an 8-point loss in which they were also favorites (-2.5). With a two-possession spread, the Wildcats have good value to keep the game within reach.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 50.5 (-105).
The Tigers have scored at least 24 points in each game this season, including 35 or more in each of their wins. They can move the ball around the field, either through the air or on the ground. Their defense, on the other hand, has allowed 14 or fewer points 4 times.
The Wildcats have scored at least 31 in each of their last 3 games, while allowing at least 21 in each of their last 3 games, including 34 or more twice.
Both teams can score at a high rate; however, keep an eye on the radar for game conditions, as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias could impact playing conditions.
Best prop bet
BET TEAM TOTAL RUSHING YARDS: KENTUCKY 120+ (-105 on DraftKings Sportsbook).
Kentucky has 3 running backs who have at least 20 carries this season, with RB CJ Baxter (68 carries, 361 yards) and RB Jason Patterson (45, 355) seeing the most touches. As a team, they have eclipsed 120 yards in 4 of their 5 games and will more than likely put the ball on the ground more than usual in potential wet and windy weather, making this an appetizing bet.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: LSU Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats odds, picks and predictions
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