Last week, the Florida Gators earned more trust with a businesslike win over Charlotte. This week brings a difficult College Football odds matchup at the Kentucky Wildcats. Of course, it was unfair, but Florida head coach Billy Napier began his second season on a warm seat. Napier’s butt was getting warm in week one after losing to the Utah Utes. But in Week 3, in front of a Saturday night national TV audience, the Gators cooled down the temperature considerably. Florida routed the Tennessee Volunteers in a classic ambush. Belief was restored with fans and gamblers.
Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Kroger Field, Lexington, KY |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN or SEC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gators | +2½ ( -110 ) | 46 ( -110 ) | +130 |  |
| Kentucky Wildcats | -2½ ( -110 ) | 46 ( -110 ) | -150 | |
| ||||
Florida Gators Team Overview
Last game, the Florida Gators won 22-7 against the Charlotte 49ers as 28-point home favorites. The game went under the sportsbook total of 48.5. Florida has a record of 3-1 straight up, 1-3 against the spread, and 0-3 over/under the total. Florida ranks 52nd for total offense, 54th for passing, 58th for rushing, and 77th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 7th overall, 17th against the pass, 17th against the rush, and 18th for points allowed. Also, Florida ranks 94th for fewest turnovers lost and 113th for takeaways.
Trey Smack made five field goals to help the Gators overcome their red zone woes. Florida went 1 for 9 on third down. And they settled for three field goals from inside the 10-yard line. The Gators won their third consecutive game since losing at then-No. 14 Utah. However, they looked far from ready to go on the road and end a two-game skid to Kentucky next week.
Graham Mertz completed 20 of 23 passes for 259 yards, with a touchdown and a fumble for the Gators. Pearsall’s leaping snag down the seam led to a field goal and a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. In turn, Florida’s defense helped save the day, allowing just 210 yards. As a result, Napier suggested the tighter-than-expected outcome could help his team find an edge.
A week after a 20-point second quarter against Tennessee, the Gators managed 18 yards. Including minus-1 rushing in the second against one of the worst defenses in major college football.
Kentucky Wildcats Team Overview
Last game, the Kentucky Wildcats won 45-28 against the Vanderbilt 13-point road favorites. The game went over the total of 50. Kentucky has a record of 4-0 straight up, 3-1 against the spread, and 2-2 over/under the total. Kentucky ranks 62nd for total offense, 44th for passing, 92nd for rushing, and 25th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 23rd overall, 67th against the pass, 11th against the rush, and 21st for points allowed. Also, Kentucky ranks 54th for fewest turnovers lost and 55th for takeaways.
Cornerback Maxwell Hairston had a pair of pick-6s. At the same time, Ray Davis rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Hence, Kentucky beat Vanderbilt in an SEC opener for both teams. Following three home victories over nonconference opponents, Kentucky began its Southeastern Conference schedule with its first road win. The Wildcats started strong, scoring three first-quarter touchdowns. Including two on offense. Along with a 29-yard pick-six by Hairston.
Davis’ two touchdowns were into familiar end zones. Last season, he transferred to Kentucky from Vanderbilt. Previously, he ran for over 1,000 yards and played a key role for the Commodores.
Florida at Kentucky SBG Free Picks
As mentioned earlier, the Florida offense struggled against Charlotte. Kentucky will be a good College Football odds value.
Florida at Kentucky SBG Best Bet: Kentucky Wildcats.