Texas A&M(2-0, 0-0 SEC) will play its third consecutive home game at Kyle Field when it hosts Kentucky (1-1, 0-1 SEC) in the Aggies’ conference opener.
While this will be Texas A&M’s first SEC game of the season, Kentucky opened conference play against Alabama. The Wildcats carried a 17-13 lead into halftime, but it was short-lived as the Crimson Tide scored 32 unanswered points to pull away for a 45-17 win.
The Aggies experienced nearly the opposite against Arizona State. A&M entered halftime with a seven-point lead that was cut to four early in the third quarter. Texas A&M responded by outscoring the Sun Devils 31-7 the rest of the way to secure a 48-20 victory.
The Aggie defense surrendered several explosive plays but clamped down in the second
half and forced four turnovers, including two pick-sixes. It marked the first time since 1999 that Texas A&M returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game. The offense remains a work in progress, and with four new starters along the offensive line and a first-time play caller, there is still some gelling that needs to happen.
Even with those concerns, A&M opened as a two-touchdown plus favorite over a Kentucky team that was shut out in the second half against Alabama. The Wildcats must now travel to Kyle Field and play in front of more than 100,000 screaming fans. As of right now, oddsmakers have considerably more confidence in Texas A&M earning its first SEC win than Kentucky earning its first conference victory under new head coach Will Stein.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. Texas A&M vs. Kentucky can be streamed through Fubo or the ESPN app.
Stream Texas A&M vs. Kentucky live on FUBO (free trial)
Stream Texas A&M vs Kentucky on ESPN+
Early Texas A&M vs. Kentucky odds, money line, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday September 13
- Moneyline: Texas A&M -800 / Kentucky +600
- Spread: A&M by 17
- Over/under: 49.5
Texas A&M injury report
- Daymion Sanford (LB) - Probable (game-time decision)
- Tawfiq Bryard (S) - Questionable
- Madden Williams (WR) Out (out for season)
- Tiger Riden (RB) - Out (out for the season)
- Chace Sims (DT) - Out (out for the season)
Kentucky injury report
- T. Mizell (RB) - Out (out for the season)
Texas A&M Key Players
- Marcel Reed
- Isaiah Horton
- Mario Craver
- Marcus Ratcliffe
- Marco Jones
- Dalton Brooks
Kentucky Key Players
- Kenny Minchey
- CJ Baxter
- Willie Rodriguez
- T. Gadson
- M. Humphrey-Grace
Texas A&M vs Kentucky prediction, pick:
Kentucky showed against Alabama that it is capable of making this a competitive game, especially if Texas A&M’s offense continues to struggle with consistency. The Aggies have not established their running game and are still working through protection issues, making it difficult to trust them to win by more than two touchdowns without the defense providing another pair of scores.
However, A&M’s defense and home-field advantage should eventually become the difference. Kentucky was held scoreless after halftime against Alabama and playing in front of more than 100,000 fans at Kyle Field will make it even tougher for the Wildcats to consistently sustain drives. The Aggies might not pull away until the second half, but they have enough talent to remain undefeated and earn their first SEC win.
Prediction: Texas A&M 34, Kentucky 20
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Kentucky predictions, picks, odds for Week 3
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