More than a few college football betting odds handicappers are thinking upset as the #9 Florida Gators will host the Kentucky Wildcats on ESPNU at 7:05 PM Eastern. Sbg global sportsbook opened with Florida as a 14-point home favorite and with an over/under of 50.5.
Surging Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats are off to a great start under first year head coach Joker Phillips. Phillips served as previous head coach Rich Brooks’ offensive coordinator and is quite familiar with all that goes into running a successful U of K football program.
Kentucky is 3-0 both straight up and against the spread and has gone over the total in 2 out of their 3 games. Last week the Wildcats lit up Akron 47-10 as 24.5-point home favorites. Phillips has shown his offensive expertise as Kentucky ranks 13th in the nation for total offense, 15th in rushing offense, and 11th in the country for scoring. The defense has played surprisingly well and ranks 13th in the country although against competition far inferior to the Gators.
Derrick Locke is averaging 6.1 yards per carry to lead Kentucky while quarterback Mike Hartline has completed 72% of his passes for 680 yards and a 5/0 touchdown to interception ratio.
Florida lacking fast Punch
The Florida Gators are 3-0 straight up and 2-1 against the spread with 2 of their 3 games going over the total. Last week Florida beat Tennessee 31-17 as 13.5-point road favorites in a game that was closer than the score indicated.
Florida has struggled in the transition from Tim Tebow to new quarterback John Brantley, who is much more of a traditional pocket passer and drop back QB. The Gators rank an incredible 92nd in the country for total offense while ranking 24th on defense.
A Prove It Game
Kentucky has the chance to prove that they are a team that is better than one that has feasted on cupcakes. A win at Florida would be the springboard to a SEC East Division run. Florida has to put together a full game on offense and jump on the Wildcats early to damage their confidence.
Trends
Florida is 22-6 with the college football lines against teams with a winning record. Kentucky is 20-7 against the spread in September. Florida has covered 3 straight in the series.