Caesars Palace releases Kentucky’s national title odds for next season

Caesars sportsbook is picking off right where many left off following the 2018 season by not giving Kentucky much of any love.

Despite a 10-win season and Citrus Bowl championship, the Wildcats aren’t being given much of a chance to contend for a national championship in 2020, according to the oddsmakers.

Caesars set Kentucky’s early 2020 National Championship odds at 1000/1. While Kentucky was never going to have good odds, the real insult is the group of teams Kentucky has the same odds as, not to mention several teams who have better odds.

Here is the full list for all 130 FBS teams:

No, it’s not a surprise, and it is not wrong that Kentucky isn’t listed in the top 10 with teams like Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State or Georgia.

The Wildcats will have a lot of holes to fill on defense and need AJ Rose to step up in a big way with Benny Snell NFL-bound, but there’s still a great deal of returning talent along with some great young talent, and Kentucky will surely be able to compete in the SEC East once again.

What is insulting about these odds is that a handful of the rivals Kentucky has defeated or has been stronger than in recent years have far better title odds.

South Carolina, for example, comes in with 500/1 odds. The Gamecocks haven’t beaten the Wildcats in six years, losing each of the last five battles.

Tennessee, who upset Kentucky in 2018 but has missed out on a bowl in each of the past two seasons, also has 500/1 odds, despite the fact they’re still very much rebuilding.

Arkansas, who went 2-10 and 0-8 in SEC play, has better odds at 500/1.

Finally, there’s Mississippi State who’s odds are 75/1. Kentucky manhandled the Bulldogs 28-7 in 2018, and heading into 2019, they will have a new starting quarterback, and their three best defensive players from 2018 are all going to be playing on Sunday’s rather than in Starkville.

Kentucky also has the same odds as Louisville, who just went 2-10 and are in a major rebuild under new head coach Scott Satterfield.

The disrespect is real for the Kentucky Wildcats, which will provide them with more ammunition heading into the new season.